# XStitch Plus vs Magic Needle

The clearest difference is monetization model: Magic Needle at free with in-app purchases against XStitch Plus's subscription. Magic Needle also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.6). XStitch Plus's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.4) and review sentiment (80% vs 55%). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. XStitch Plus sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per year and Magic Needle sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

XStitch Plus holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1K and 1.1K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of XStitch Plus's written reviews are positive against 55% of Magic Needle's.

XStitch Plus ships an update every 6 weeks, Magic Needle monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | XStitch Plus | Magic Needle |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xstitch-plus/id1281394467/reviews)** | [4.4 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-needle-cross-stitch/id1323730066/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1K | **1.1K** |
| Positive reviews | **79.6% of reviews** | 54.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 22 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PerformTec Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/906882971) | [Artem Shal](https://appshunter.io/developer/1323730065) |

## What reviewers say

### XStitch Plus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xstitch-plus/id1281394467)

Manage your cross stitch projects and supplies with this comprehensive app. Track projects from start to finish, inventory threads and materials, and calculate fabric needs. Sync data across devices and share progress easily.

**Highlights:** Project Journal tracking, Stash inventory (threads, charts, linens), Fabric calculator, Shopping list, Cloud data synchronization, Multi-device access

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual Subscription | $9.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 💻 Excellent organizational tool
- 📊 Helpful inventory tracking
- 🛒 Useful shopping list feature
- 📸 Ability to add photos of projects
- 🔍 Comprehensive thread/fabric database

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 No option to add custom designers
- 🔍 Difficult to search/add threads
- 🗂️ Lack of project management features
- 🔄 Inconsistent sync/login issues
- 💰 Expensive subscription model

**Reported bugs**

- Inventory data disappearing after subscription renewal
- Login/access problems after updates
- Inability to add certain thread types/brands

**Requested features**

- Add ability to mark projects as completed
- Integrate shopping list with inventory
- Allow custom designer/fabric entries
- Improve search and data entry workflows
- Provide more project tracking capabilities


### Magic Needle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-needle-cross-stitch/id1323730066)

Transform your photos into unique cross-stitch patterns with this mobile converter. It offers tools for pattern creation, embroidery tracking, and project management, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced crafters. Create personalized gifts or enjoy your hobby with ease.

**Highlights:** Create cross-stitch patterns from photos, Adjust scheme size and color count, Select fabric and floss brands, Track embroidery progress, Export patterns to PDF, Organize and track floss inventory

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $6.99 | per month |
| Premium | $29.49 | per 6 months |
| Premium | $41.99 | per year |
| Simple pattern | $0.99 | one-time |
| Export to PDF | $1.99 | one-time |
| Medium pattern | $1.99 | one-time |
| 1 pattern | $2.99 | one-time |
| Advanced pattern | $2.99 | one-time |
| 3 patterns | $5.99 | one-time |
| 7 patterns | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Excellent for creating cross-stitch patterns
- 📐 Accurate grid and color matching
- 🎨 Customizable color palette
- 💻 Convenient digital tracking of stitches

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Limited free features, requires subscription
- 🎨 Restricted color selection
- 🔧 Lack of editing tools for patterns
- 💾 Issues with data/project loss after updates

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when trying to upload photos
- Stitching progress markers disappear unexpectedly
- Difficulty setting desired number of colors

**Requested features**

- Add ability to edit/modify generated patterns
- Implement a PDF export option
- Improve syncing across devices
- Introduce more advanced color management tools


## Frequently asked questions

### Is XStitch Plus free?

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

### Is Magic Needle free?

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

### Which has better reviews, XStitch Plus or Magic Needle?

XStitch Plus is rated higher. XStitch Plus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 1K ratings, while Magic Needle averages 4.4 from 1.1K ratings.

### Do XStitch Plus or Magic Needle have ads?

Neither XStitch Plus nor Magic Needle shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, XStitch Plus or Magic Needle?

XStitch Plus ships an update every 6 weeks, and Magic Needle monthly. Most recently, XStitch Plus was updated on November 3, 2026 and Magic Needle on November 2, 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.*