# BottleDrop vs Bend Works

The clearest difference is rating: Bend Works at 4.6 against BottleDrop's 2.3. Bend Works also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported). BottleDrop's advantage is ratings volume (104 vs 7) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

Bend Works holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BottleDrop has 104 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 11% of BottleDrop's written reviews are positive against 0% of Bend Works's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

BottleDrop ships an update every 2 months, Bend Works every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BottleDrop | Bend Works |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.3 (104 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bottledrop/id1276690586/reviews) | **[4.6 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bend-works/id6463261915/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **104** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | **10.7% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 57 MB | 142 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative](https://appshunter.io/developer/1276690585) | [City Of Bend](https://appshunter.io/developer/1113845167) |

## What reviewers say

### BottleDrop

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bottledrop/id1276690586)

Easily return deposit containers and receive your refund. Access your account card, view your balance and bag history, and find nearby return locations. Manage your account information and receive important notifications.

**Highlights:** Return deposit containers, Receive refunds, Access account card, View account balance, Track bag history, Find return locations, Update account information

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Balance tracking functionality works reliably
- 📍 Location finder helps users find drop-off points
- 🎯 Core service concept is useful and appreciated
- 📱 Improved UI in recent updates (June 2021 onwards)
- 🔐 QR code/barcode scanning feature when functioning

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚪 Frequent unexpected logouts requiring re-authentication
- 🔑 Persistent login failures and authentication errors
- 🌐 Chronic internet connectivity issues despite active connection
- 🐛 App crashes when accessing locations tab
- 💾 Missing or non-functional transfer buttons (Venmo/PayPal/bank)

**Reported bugs**

- Unexpected logout after period of inactivity
- Login failed errors despite correct credentials
- App won't progress past splash/start screen
- Crashes when accessing locations tab
- Internet connectivity error messages despite active connection

**Requested features**

- Dark mode for reduced eye strain in low light
- Biometric authentication (Face ID, Touch ID, PIN)
- Manual QR code entry option for unscanned bags
- Transaction history and detailed bag credit breakdown
- In-app bag and label ordering


### Bend Works

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bend-works/id6463261915)

Easily report non-emergency city issues like potholes and graffiti. Track the progress of your reports as they are resolved, helping to improve your community.

**Highlights:** Report non-emergency issues, Track report progress, Submit details on potholes, Report streetlights, Report graffiti, Community improvement tool

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BottleDrop free?

BottleDrop is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Bend Works free?

Bend Works is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, BottleDrop or Bend Works?

Bend Works is rated higher. BottleDrop averages 2.3 out of 5 from 104 ratings, while Bend Works averages 4.6 from 7 ratings.

### Do BottleDrop or Bend Works have ads?

Neither BottleDrop nor Bend Works shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BottleDrop or Bend Works?

BottleDrop ships an update every 2 months, and Bend Works every 4 months. Most recently, BottleDrop was updated on October 16, 2026 and Bend Works on October 9, 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.*