# Magic Needle vs StillPlays

The clearest difference is rating: StillPlays at 5.0 against Magic Needle's 4.4. StillPlays also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and update cadence (every 4 days vs monthly). Magic Needle's advantage is ratings volume (1.1K vs 1). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Magic Needle sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. StillPlays asks for nothing beyond the download.

StillPlays holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Magic Needle has 1.1K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Magic Needle ships an update monthly, StillPlays every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Magic Needle | StillPlays |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-needle-cross-stitch/id1323730066/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stillplays/id6760800326/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.1K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 54.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 40 MB | 53 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.1** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Artem Shal](https://appshunter.io/developer/1323730065) | [Teion Baskin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1886303921) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### StillPlays

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stillplays/id6760800326)

This app helps you catalog and display your physical media collection, celebrating ownership over digital subscriptions. Organize your owned items into custom shelves to showcase your personal taste and history.

**Highlights:** Catalog owned physical media, Build custom collection shelves, Showcase personal taste and history, Celebrate ownership over digital, Organize your collection

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Magic Needle free?

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

### Is StillPlays free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Magic Needle or StillPlays?

StillPlays is rated higher. Magic Needle averages 4.4 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while StillPlays averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Magic Needle or StillPlays have ads?

Neither Magic Needle nor StillPlays shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Magic Needle or StillPlays?

Magic Needle ships an update monthly, and StillPlays every 4 days. Most recently, Magic Needle was updated on November 2, 2026 and StillPlays on October 31, 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.*