If the price tag is the main hurdle, these free synthesizers offer similar "multi-layer" power and futuristic sounds without the risks of pirated software:

: Check platforms like Splice to see if "Rent-to-Own" options become available, allowing you to pay in small monthly increments.

: An incredibly powerful open-source synth. It features multiple synthesis engines (FM, Wavetable, Physical Modeling) and is arguably one of the most flexible free tools available.