The Best Synth Apps for iOS

The best synth apps for iOS turn an iPhone or iPad into a serious sound machine, from Moog’s faithful recreations to Korg’s classic emulations and forward-looking instruments like Animoog. Because most run as AUv3 plugins, you can play them standalone or load them inside a DAW. This guide explains what to look for and walks through the strongest iOS synths.

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Quick answer

• Lush, evolving pads and leads: Animoog (Moog).
• Deep modular analogue character: Moog Model 15.
• Classic semi-modular synthesis to learn on: Korg iMS-20.
• All-in-one creative groovebox synths: Korg Gadget instruments.

Note: these are iOS/iPadOS apps. Android does not have the same depth of synth apps, so if you are on Android see our iPhone vs Android for music production comparison first.

What to look for in an iOS synth app

• AUv3 support: This is the big one. AUv3 lets you run the synth inside a DAW or host with full automation and recall. See what AUv3 apps are.
• Synthesis type: Analogue-style subtractive, FM, wavetable and more each give different textures. Match the engine to the sounds you want.
• Playability: A good on-screen keyboard, plus MIDI input for a hardware keyboard. See the best MIDI keyboards for iPad.
• Presets vs sound design: Beginners want strong presets; sound designers want deep editing.
• Effects: Built-in reverb, delay and modulation make a synth usable on its own.

The best synth apps for iOS

Animoog (Moog)

Animoog uses Moog’s anisotropic synth engine to produce wide, evolving, expressive sounds that are hard to get elsewhere. It is brilliant for pads, leads and movement, and its touch surface is genuinely expressive on an iPad. A great first “wow” synth.

Best for: iPhone and iPad players who want expressive, evolving pads and leads from the off. It also loads as an AUv3 plugin inside a host like AUM or GarageBand.

Moog Model 15

A faithful modular synth based on a classic Moog system. You patch modules together to build sounds from the ground up, which makes it deep and rewarding for anyone serious about analogue-style synthesis. It rewards patience and is best on an iPad.

Best for: iPad users who want to learn proper subtractive synthesis by patching from scratch. If you’d rather a fixed-architecture classic, Moog’s Minimoog Model D app is the simpler companion pick.

Korg iMS-20

An emulation of Korg’s classic MS-20 semi-modular synth, complete with a patch bay and sequencer. It is a fantastic way to learn hands-on synthesis with real patch cables, and it has a gritty, characterful sound.

Best for: iOS players who want a gritty, hands-on analogue character with a built-in sequencer. For broader sounds, KORG Module is the companion pick for sampled keys and pianos.

Korg Gadget instruments

Korg Gadget bundles a large collection of synths and drum machines (“gadgets”) in one app, many usable as AUv3 plugins. It is a strong all-in-one if you want lots of varied sounds and a built-in way to build tracks. Great value for the breadth on offer.

Best for: iOS users who want one purchase to cover dozens of synths and drum machines plus a way to arrange tracks. The free KORG Gadget Le version lets you try the workflow first.

Other notable iOS synths

There is a deep catalogue beyond these, including wavetable and FM synths and granular instruments, most of which run as AUv3 plugins. Once you find an engine you like, you can host several together. For keyboard-style instruments specifically, see the best piano and keyboard apps.

Best for: a free starting point, try AudioKit Synth One — a fully free, no-strings synth that’s perfect for learning. Popular paid picks for richer, modern sounds include Sunrizer, Zeeon and Poison-202.

How to use synth apps together

The real power of iOS synths comes from running them inside a host. Load them into a DAW like Cubasis or GarageBand, or route several through AUM, so you can layer sounds and sequence them in one project. Our guides on using AUM to connect your music apps and using Cubasis show how to build that setup.

How to choose

1. Start with the sound you want. Pads and atmospheres point to Animoog; analogue depth points to Model 15; gritty classic tones point to iMS-20.
2. Consider your level. Beginners benefit from strong presets; experienced users want deep editing.
3. Check AUv3 support if you plan to use the synth inside a DAW.
4. Use an iPad where possible for the extra screen and expressive control.

Frequently asked questions

Are these synth apps available on Android?

Mostly no. The strongest synth apps, including Moog and Korg titles and most AUv3 instruments, are iOS/iPadOS only. Android has fewer comparable options, which is one reason iOS leads for mobile music.

Do I need a MIDI keyboard to use synth apps?

No, the on-screen keyboards work. But a MIDI keyboard makes playing far more natural and expressive. See the best MIDI keyboards for iPad.

Can I use iOS synths in a real song?

Absolutely. Hosted as AUv3 plugins in a DAW, they record, automate and mix like any instrument. Plenty of released music uses iOS synths.