Comparison

Brook.app vs Node.js Lab

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

Head to head
About

Brook.app

This cross-platform network tool requires server deployment. A paid subscription offers enhanced features to support ongoing development and project continuity.

Highlights
  • Cross-platform network tool
  • Client-server software
  • Server deployment required
  • Paid subscription for advanced features
  • Supports project continuity
Features
Read full description

Brook - Brook is a cross-platform network tool - Brook is client-server software, you need to deploy the server: https://github.com/txthinking/brook Brook Plus - Brook Plus is a paid option that allows paying users access to more generous features, allowing us to continue to sustain the continuity of this project. - Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase - Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period - Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal - You can manage subscription in App Store Setting. - Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable Standard Apple Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Terms of Service: https://www.txthinking.com/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://www.txthinking.com/privacy.html About Brook Plus - Even with the free version of Brook, normal use is possible - Brook Plus is a paid option that allows paying users access to more generous features, allowing us to continue to sustain the continuity of this project

About

Node.js Lab

Develop and run Node.js web applications directly on your iOS device, even offline. This app includes a full Node.js environment with NPM, a script editor, and debugging tools. It also functions as a standalone web application and offers extensive file management capabilities.

Highlights
  • Offline Node.js environment
  • Integrated Git client
  • Multi-tabbed script editor
  • NPM support
  • Standalone web app functionality
  • Remote file management
  • Offline documentation
Features
Read full description

Full-fledged Node.js on iOS with NPM support. Build, modify, run and debug web applications using NodeJS and Webkit on your iOS device or any other device on the same network. Nodejs Lab also turns your device into a complete standalone web application with nodejs support to run on startup (similar to nw.js). App features: - Full Node.js without internet connection - Git client - Script editor - html/js/css/json beautifiers in script editor - Auto-Complete - Image editor - Multi-tabbed script/image editor - NPM - Panel to capture console.log, .warn, .error - Supports in-app browser / in-app Safari - Multi-tabbed file manager - Set as standalone web application (similar to nw.js) - Remote file manager (access app's files from another device) - FTP/SFTP/FTPS/iCloud managers - phpLiteAdmin to edit sqlite files - Firebug Lite - Syntax validator for HTML, JS & CSS - Offline Node.js documentation - Enable/Disable sharing with Files app - Split screen on iPad - Multitasking on iPad Note: nodejs Lab doesn't support c++ addons For more information & inquiries please contact me through nodejs Lab's website or contact form inside the app.

Screenshots

Brook.app4 screens
Node.js Lab4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Brook.app at none against Node.js Lab's shown. Brook.app also leads on rating (4.3 vs 3.9) and review sentiment (84% vs 63%). Node.js Lab's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

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

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Brook.app holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Brook.app has 177 ratings behind it against 24, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 84% of Brook.app's written reviews are positive against 63% of Node.js Lab's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Brook.app ships an update every 6 weeks, Node.js Lab every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
Brook.app versus Node.js Lab: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBrook.appNode.js Lab
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (177 ratings) — better3.9 (24 ratings)
Positive reviews83.7% of reviews — better62.5% of reviews
Number of ratings177 — better24
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 5 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#91 — better#149
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size67 MB154 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperTxThinking, Inc.Firas Moussa

Customer experience

Brook.app

All ratings177 ratings
Positive80.2%
Neutral10.2%
Negative9.6%
Written reviews104 reviews
Positive83.7%
Neutral5.8%
Negative10.6%

Node.js Lab

All ratings24 ratings
Positive70.8%
Neutral12.5%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews32 reviews
Positive62.5%
Neutral9.4%
Negative28.1%

Bugs and requests

Brook.app

Reported bugs

10 issues
  • Frequent unexpected disconnections
  • VPN process killed in background
  • iOS 12.1 connection failures
  • Connection button shows connected but not actually connected
  • App crashes without warning
Show 5 more
  • Incompatibility with iOS versions below 10
  • Whitelist mode auto-disconnect issues
  • Push notifications not received while connected
  • Safari works but Instagram/YouTube don't
  • Slow performance after recent updates

Requested features

9 requests
  • Server naming and alias functionality
  • Auto-connect feature
  • Global proxy toggle button
  • Mac application version
  • VPN support
Show 4 more
  • Background App Refresh support
  • iOS 9 support
  • Improved whitelist mode stability
  • Better app-specific proxy support

Node.js Lab

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Brook.app

Subscriptions2
  • Brook Plus$1.991 Month
  • Brook Plus$49.991 Year
2 purchases

Node.js Lab

One-time2
  • Unlock all features$4.99
  • Standalone Web Application$9.99

Questions

Is Brook.app free?
Brook.app is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Node.js Lab free?
Node.js Lab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Brook.app or Node.js Lab?
Brook.app is rated higher. Brook.app averages 4.3 out of 5 from 177 ratings, while Node.js Lab averages 3.9 from 24 ratings.
Do Brook.app or Node.js Lab have ads?
Node.js Lab shows ads; Brook.app does not.
Which is updated more often, Brook.app or Node.js Lab?
Brook.app ships an update every 6 weeks, and Node.js Lab every 5 weeks. Most recently, Brook.app was updated on September 29, 2026 and Node.js Lab on September 30, 2026.
Which is more popular, Brook.app or Node.js Lab?
Brook.app currently peaks at #91 in the App Store charts, and Node.js Lab at #149. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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