# Inkpad vs CutLabX

The clearest difference is rating: Inkpad at 4.3 against CutLabX's 1.8. Inkpad also leads on review sentiment (58% vs 19%) and ratings volume (420 vs 17). CutLabX's advantage is device support (4 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Inkpad sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and CutLabX sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Inkpad holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 1.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Inkpad has 420 ratings behind it against 17, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 58% of Inkpad's written reviews are positive against 19% of CutLabX's.

Inkpad ships an update every 5 weeks, CutLabX monthly. The most recent releases landed on August 28, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Inkpad | CutLabX |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (420 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/inkpad-graphic-design/id1057007769/reviews)** | [1.8 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cutlabx/id6468648065/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **420** | 17 |
| Positive reviews | **58.1% of reviews** | 18.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 29 MB | 117 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.4** | 16 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Envoza](https://appshunter.io/developer/867470531) | [Dongguan Xinjia Laser Technology Co., Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1519391263) |

## What reviewers say

### Inkpad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/inkpad-graphic-design/id1057007769)

Create professional vector art on your iPad with a powerful yet intuitive interface. Draw with precision, manipulate objects, and apply flexible typography effects. Organize your work with unlimited layers and easily import/export various file formats.

**Highlights:** Precision vector drawing tools, Flexible typography effects, Unlimited layers for organization, Advanced object manipulation, Gradient editing and Boolean operations, Import/export SVG, PDF, PNG, JPEG, Apple Pencil support

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Inkpad Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Inkpad Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Medium Tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Large Tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Enormous Tip | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and efficient interface
- 🚀 Powerful vector illustration capabilities
- 💡 Seamless integration with Apple Pencil
- 🔧 Versatile for various design projects
- 💡 Affordable alternative to desktop software

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional performance issues and crashes
- 🔒 Subscription-only model, no longer a one-time purchase
- 🔒 Restricted access to previous work without subscription
- 💡 Lack of comprehensive tutorials and documentation
- 💡 Missing advanced features like canvas rotation

**Reported bugs**

- Distortion issues when importing SVG files
- Inability to access previous work without subscription
- Grayed-out options and functionality after updates

**Requested features**

- Improved file management with folders
- Addition of a brush tool with customizable ends
- Inclusion of an isometric grid and dimension tools
- Support for more cloud storage services beyond Dropbox
- In-app palm rejection for a better drawing experience


### CutLabX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cutlabx/id6468648065)

This software enables GRBL laser engraving machine users to create designs from images, text, and QR codes. It offers a library of free resources and allows skilled designers to upload their work for commissions. It's designed for both beginners and professionals.

**Highlights:** GRBL laser engraving, Image, text, QR code design, Free design resources, User-uploaded designs for commission, Supports various GRBL devices, Beginner and professional friendly

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 100金币 | $9.99 | one-time |
| 200金币 | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Inkpad free?

Inkpad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is CutLabX free?

CutLabX is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Inkpad or CutLabX?

Inkpad is rated higher. Inkpad averages 4.3 out of 5 from 420 ratings, while CutLabX averages 1.8 from 17 ratings.

### Do Inkpad or CutLabX have ads?

Neither Inkpad nor CutLabX shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Inkpad or CutLabX?

Inkpad ships an update every 5 weeks, and CutLabX monthly. Most recently, Inkpad was updated on August 28, 2026 and CutLabX on September 20, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*