Comparison

Simple HDR vs Screen Forge

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Simple HDR

Capture bracketed 360° images with this app, designed for Ricoh Theta cameras. Choose between Auto and Pro settings for quick HDR landscape creation or light and reflection map generation.

Highlights
  • Capture bracketed 360° images
  • Create 360° landscapes
  • Generate light maps
  • Generate reflection maps
  • Auto capture setting (3 shots, 5 stops)
  • Pro capture setting (7 shots, 12 stops)
Features
Read full description

NOTE: A Ricoh Theta camera is required to use Simple HDR. We support the Ricoh Theta m15 and Ricoh Theta S models. Simple HDR is the easy way to quickly capture a full set of bracketed 360° images. You can use these images to create beautiful 360° landscapes, or to capture light maps or reflection maps for use in visual effects or video games. Unlike other HDR apps, we remove the complexity from this process and give you just two great options to choose from. We did our research, took hundreds of test images, and found the options that let you get the most out of the Ricoh Theta’s capabilities. Choose our Auto setting to quickly capture three 360° images, covering a range of 5 stops in just 15 seconds. This should be enough light data to capture most indoor or mixed lighting scenes. Or you can choose our Pro setting to take up to 7 shots, covering a range of 12 stops. This setting is ideal for outdoor scenes in bright daylight. When you’re done shooting, you can use Photoshop or your favorite HDR tool to create beautiful landscapes, lighting maps, or reflection maps. Make 360° HDR images quickly and easily with Simple HDR.

About

Screen Forge

Features
Read full description

The Ultimate Screen Preparation Tool for VFX Screen Forge is a powerful tool designed for filmmakers using iPhones and iPads to shoot scenes where screens will later be replaced in VFX. Whether you’re using Chroma Key or other screen replacement techniques, Screen Forge helps you set up your screen for seamless post-production integration. Key Features: • Multiple Background Colors – Select from a range of colors to match any scene’s needs. • Tracking Markers – Choose from various marker types to ensure precise alignment in post-production. • Touch References – On-screen ‘Keyboard’ and ‘Phone’ guides help actors interact naturally with virtual interfaces. • Single Tap Track Marker – Custom markers for precise tap and drag tracking (not compatible with multiple touches). • Custom Size & Opacity – Adjust tracking markers to balance visibility, reflections, and removal ease in VFX. • Tips for Beginners – Get practical guidance on optimizing your screen for VFX. • Brightness Adjustment Chart – Fine-tune screen brightness to match scene exposure for optimal results. • Focus Chart – Ensure sharp focus on the screen during filming. Designed for both beginners and professionals, Screen Forge simplifies screen preparation, making your VFX workflow smoother and more efficient. Disclaimer: Screen Forge is a pre-production tool and does not generate VFX or final composites. It assists filmmakers in setting up screens for filming, while actual VFX work should be done using professional post-production software. Terms Of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.dotcine.com.br/screenforge-privacy

Screenshots

Simple HDR4 screens
Screen Forge4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Screen Forge at Free against Simple HDR's $9.99. Simple HDR's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and chart position (#192 vs unranked). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Screen Forge is free to download; Simple HDR costs $9.99 up front. Screen Forge sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Simple HDR asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Simple HDR ships an update every 2 months, Screen Forge monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and May 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
Simple HDR versus Screen Forge: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSimple HDRScreen Forge
Price$9.99Free — better
Rating2.7 (7 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews55.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings7 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid—
Best chart rank#192 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBuilt LightJOSE F DA SILVA NT

In-app purchases

None

Simple HDR

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Screen Forge

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly7 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Yearly7 Days trial$24.991 Year

Questions

Is Simple HDR free?
Simple HDR costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Screen Forge free?
Screen Forge is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Simple HDR or Screen Forge have ads?
Neither Simple HDR nor Screen Forge shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Simple HDR or Screen Forge?
Simple HDR ships an update every 2 months, and Screen Forge monthly. Most recently, Simple HDR was updated on September 15, 2026 and Screen Forge on May 15, 2026.

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