# Bruster's vs The Cookie Element

The clearest difference is ads: The Cookie Element at none against Bruster's's shown. The Cookie Element also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). Bruster's's advantage is ratings volume (1.1K vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

The Cookie Element holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Bruster's has 1.1K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Bruster's ships an update every 5 months, The Cookie Element every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bruster's | The Cookie Element |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brusters/id1132180307/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-cookie-element/id6760893566/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.1K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 59.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 128 MB | 388 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bruster’s Ice Cream, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1132180306) | [The Cookie Element, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1886657611) |

## What reviewers say

### Bruster's

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brusters/id1132180307)

This app enhances your loyalty program experience, making it easier to earn rewards and enjoy exclusive offers. Find nearby locations, order ahead for pickup, and manage your points seamlessly.

**Highlights:** Sweet Rewards loyalty program management, Earn points for purchases, Store locator with hours and flavor updates, Order online for pickup, Add missed points with receipt, Exclusive offers and birthday treat

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🍦 Delicious ice cream
- 👍 Great customer service
- 💳 Rewards program
- 🚘 Convenient drive-thru
- 🍨 Wide variety of flavors

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes and login issues
- 💳 Rewards not usable online
- 🕰️ Slow app performance
- 🗺️ Location selection issues
- 💰 Expensive pricing

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on newer iOS versions
- Login screen issues with keyboard
- Rewards not tracking properly

**Requested features**

- Display current store flavors in the app
- Improve app navigation and ordering experience
- Integrate rewards program with online ordering


### The Cookie Element

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-cookie-element/id6760893566)

This app allows users to order custom desserts and register for baking classes or special events. It also features a loyalty program where customers can earn credits towards future purchases.

**Highlights:** Order custom desserts, Register for classes, Sign up for events, Join Elemental Rewards program, Earn Cookie Credits

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bruster's free?

Bruster's is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is The Cookie Element free?

The Cookie Element is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Bruster's or The Cookie Element?

The Cookie Element is rated higher. Bruster's averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while The Cookie Element averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Bruster's or The Cookie Element have ads?

Bruster's shows ads; The Cookie Element does not.

### Which is updated more often, Bruster's or The Cookie Element?

Bruster's ships an update every 5 months, and The Cookie Element every 3 months. Most recently, Bruster's was updated on October 2, 2026 and The Cookie Element on September 26, 2026.

---

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