# Backstage vs Sampl

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Sampl at 90% against Backstage's 34%. Sampl also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 26.0). Backstage's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (19K vs 1). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Backstage sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month and Sampl sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Sampl holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Backstage has 19K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 34% of Backstage's written reviews are positive against 90% of Sampl's.

Backstage ships an update weekly, Sampl every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Backstage | Sampl |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (19K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backstage-casting-calls/id1215380527/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sampl/id6448205251/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **19K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 33.7% of reviews | **90.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 4 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#33** | — |
| Size | 141 MB | 119 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Backstage LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/911140995) | [Sampl INC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1683996619) |

## What reviewers say

### Backstage

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backstage-casting-calls/id1215380527)

**Currently charting:** #33 Top Grossing · Business (US App Store)

Discover acting jobs and auditions worldwide for TV, film, and more. Browse thousands of curated casting calls, apply to unlimited roles, and build your career in the performing arts. A free download with optional subscription for advanced features.

**Highlights:** Browse global casting calls, Apply to unlimited roles, Create saved searches, Upload media, Build talent profile, Find acting jobs

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Membership | $24.99 | per month |
| Monthly Membership | $24.99 | per month |
| 3-Month Membership | $74.99 | per 3 months |
| 3-Month Membership | $74.99 | per 3 months |
| 6-Month Membership | $99.99 | per 6 months |
| Annual Membership | $199.99 | per year |
| Annual Membership | $199.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great platform for finding acting jobs
- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 💡 Helpful for building an acting resume
- 🚀 Efficient way to search for and apply to roles

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Subscription issues and billing problems
- 🔒 Lack of customer service and support
- 🐛 Buggy app with crashing and loading issues
- 💰 Expensive subscription fees

**Reported bugs**

- App repeatedly logs users out
- Inability to upload media/headshots
- Casting calls not loading properly
- Notification system not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Add ability to save specific job postings
- Improve search filtering options
- Integrate calendar download for audition dates
- Provide more detailed job information in app


### Sampl

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sampl/id6448205251)

A platform designed for emerging artists, producers, designers, and videographers to connect, collaborate, and grow their fanbase. It allows users to showcase their portfolios and network with creative professionals worldwide to advance their careers.

**Highlights:** Connect with emerging artists, Showcase creative portfolios, Network with global professionals, Collaborate on projects, Grow fanbase organically, Advance creative careers

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| One star | $4.99 | one-time |
| One spotlight | $9.99 | one-time |
| Three stars | $11.99 | one-time |
| Six stars | $17.99 | one-time |
| Three spotlights | $26.99 | one-time |
| Six spotlights | $47.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Backstage free?

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

### Is Sampl free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Backstage or Sampl?

Sampl is rated higher. Backstage averages 4.7 out of 5 from 19K ratings, while Sampl averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Backstage or Sampl have ads?

Sampl shows ads; Backstage does not.

### Which is updated more often, Backstage or Sampl?

Backstage ships an update weekly, and Sampl every 4 weeks. Most recently, Backstage was updated on October 13, 2026 and Sampl on October 7, 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.*