# ToolBox vs Smart Tools

ToolBox and Smart Tools both sit at 4.4 stars, but that hides the real split: 78% of Smart Tools's written reviews are positive against 32% of ToolBox's. Smart Tools also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription). ToolBox's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 months). On price, rating, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ToolBox sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Smart Tools sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Smart Tools holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1K and 322 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 32% of ToolBox's written reviews are positive against 78% of Smart Tools's.

ToolBox ships an update every 9 days, Smart Tools every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ToolBox | Smart Tools |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/toolbox-ar-ruler-level-tool/id1349659723/reviews) | **[4.5 (322 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-tools-all-in-one-box/id1357964329/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1K** | 322 |
| Positive reviews | 32.0% of reviews | **77.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 112 MB | 24 MB |
| Requires iOS | 11.3 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vlad Polyanskiy](https://appshunter.io/developer/438646985) | [Matjaz Marolt](https://appshunter.io/developer/874326830) |

## What reviewers say

### ToolBox

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/toolbox-ar-ruler-level-tool/id1349659723)

This app provides a suite of essential measurement tools for various projects. It includes a bubble level, bullseye level, protractor, plumb bob, and an AR ruler for precise measurements and alignment.

**Highlights:** Bubble level, Bullseye level, Protractor for angle measurement, Plumb bob for verticality, AR Ruler for crafts and DIY, 5-in-1 multi-tool

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Access | $0.99 | per month |
| Ruler | $0.99 | one-time |
| 2D Level Tool | $1.99 | one-time |
| Plumb Bob | $1.99 | one-time |
| Protractor | $1.99 | one-time |
| Pro Pack | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Useful tools
- 🚀 Precise and easy to use
- 💡 Helpful for DIY projects

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inaccurate measurements
- 💰 Paid features, not free
- 🤔 Unclear functionality

**Reported bugs**

- Ruler feature not working
- App crashes when accessing certain tools
- Inconsistent angle measurements

**Requested features**

- Light projection for leveling
- Rafter span calculations
- Clear instructions and user guide


### Smart Tools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-tools-all-in-one-box/id1357964329)

This comprehensive utility app provides 31 essential tools and gauges, leveraging your device's sensors. It includes measurement tools, a light, a magnifier, and various sensors for construction, carpentry, and everyday use.

**Highlights:** 31 carpenter, construction, and gauge tools, Bubble level and laser level, Stud finder and dB meter, Ruler, protractor, and magnifier, Speed gun and distance meter, Unit converter and code reader

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove advertisement | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎯 Versatile collection of useful tools in one app
- 💰 Free app with no hidden costs
- 🔦 Night vision feature works effectively
- 📏 Accurate measurement and sensor tools
- 🎓 Educational value for classroom use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 📺 Excessive and intrusive advertising
- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezes
- 🌙 No dark mode support
- 📱 Poor landscape orientation support
- 🎨 Outdated UI design

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on startup with advertising splash screen
- Metronome causes app to force close
- Night vision not working properly
- Translator feature not functioning
- Conversion tools not working

**Requested features**

- Dark mode matching system settings
- Calculator tool
- Compass feature
- Stud finder functionality
- Temperature conversion


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ToolBox free?

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

### Is Smart Tools free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ToolBox or Smart Tools?

Smart Tools is rated higher. ToolBox averages 4.4 out of 5 from 1K ratings, while Smart Tools averages 4.5 from 322 ratings.

### Do ToolBox or Smart Tools have ads?

Smart Tools shows ads; ToolBox does not.

### Which is updated more often, ToolBox or Smart Tools?

ToolBox ships an update every 9 days, and Smart Tools every 3 months. Most recently, ToolBox was updated on October 28, 2026 and Smart Tools on October 29, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*
