# Grade Control vs Homework Tracker by Backpack

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Homework Tracker by Backpack at 79% against Grade Control's 30%. Homework Tracker by Backpack also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.2) and update cadence (every 5 days vs monthly). Grade Control's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (495 vs 100). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Grade Control sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year and Homework Tracker by Backpack sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Homework Tracker by Backpack holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 495 and 100 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 30% of Grade Control's written reviews are positive against 79% of Homework Tracker by Backpack's.

Grade Control ships an update monthly, Homework Tracker by Backpack every 5 days. Both last shipped on September 21, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Grade Control | Homework Tracker by Backpack |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (495 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grade-control-homework-app/id1123787414/reviews) | **[4.6 (100 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/homework-tracker-by-backpack/id1482207446/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **495** | 100 |
| Positive reviews | 29.9% of reviews | **79.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 6 MB | 59 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **13.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kango Studios LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1115907089) | [Adam Jessop](https://appshunter.io/developer/1728400867) |

## What reviewers say

### Grade Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grade-control-homework-app/id1123787414)

Easily track your school courses, assignments, and GPA. This app automatically calculates your GPA and helps you set and achieve grade goals by showing you what you need on future assignments. Manage your academic progress with customizable grade scales and assignment tracking.

**Highlights:** Automatic GPA calculation, Set and track grade goals, Course and assignment tracking, Customizable grade scales, Assignment due date notifications, Weighted and non-weighted courses

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Grade Control Pro Yearly | $4.99 | per year |
| Grade Control Premium 6/Mo | $5.99 | per 6 months |
| Grade Control Premium 12/Mo | $9.99 | per year |
| Ultra - Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Premium - Unlimited Grades | $4.99 | one-time |
| GC Unlimited - Tip Large | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 💡 Customizable grade scales
- 👍 Helpful for tracking grades and GPA

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitchy and buggy
- 🔒 Limited free features, requires premium to unlock full functionality
- 👎 Poor customer support, unresponsive to user feedback

**Reported bugs**

- Assignments not saving properly
- Grades and progress resetting unexpectedly
- Frequent crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- Add support for weighted grades and AP/advanced classes
- Improve syncing between devices
- Provide more detailed analytics and grade forecasting


### Homework Tracker by Backpack

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/homework-tracker-by-backpack/id1482207446)

This app helps students manage their academic workload by tracking assignments, organizing classes, and setting personalized reminders. It allows for detailed assignment management with color-coding and prioritization, and helps organize course information and schedules to reduce stress and prevent missed deadlines.

**Highlights:** Track assignments with notifications, Organize classes with color-coding, Store instructor information, Manage course schedules and events, Plan by semester, Customizable notifications

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Backpack Pro - Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Backpack Pro Referral - Yearly | $17.99 | per year |
| Backpack Pro - Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Tip The Developer - $5 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Tip The Developer - $10 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Tip The Developer - $15 | $14.99 | one-time |
| Tip The Developer - $20 | $19.99 | one-time |
| Tip The Developer - $50 | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Grade Control free?

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

### Is Homework Tracker by Backpack free?

Homework Tracker by Backpack is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Grade Control or Homework Tracker by Backpack?

Homework Tracker by Backpack is rated higher. Grade Control averages 4.2 out of 5 from 495 ratings, while Homework Tracker by Backpack averages 4.6 from 100 ratings.

### Do Grade Control or Homework Tracker by Backpack have ads?

Homework Tracker by Backpack shows ads; Grade Control does not.

### Which is updated more often, Grade Control or Homework Tracker by Backpack?

Grade Control ships an update monthly, and Homework Tracker by Backpack every 5 days. Most recently, Grade Control was updated on September 21, 2026 and Homework Tracker by Backpack on September 21, 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.*