# STARDist vs OpenEML

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: STARDist at none against OpenEML's 4. STARDist also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). OpenEML's advantage is update cadence (every 6 days vs every 2 months) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. OpenEML sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. STARDist asks for nothing beyond the download.

STARDist ships an update every 2 months, OpenEML every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | STARDist | OpenEML |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.8 (36 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openeml-eml-reader-and-viewer/id6751085601/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **36** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 42 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ORBIS BV](https://appshunter.io/developer/602147201) | [Beijing Danbao Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1833168926) |

## What reviewers say

### STARDist

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stardist/id1424928150)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### OpenEML

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openeml-eml-reader-and-viewer/id6751085601)

Easily open and manage email files (.eml, .msg, .oft) on your iPhone or iPad. Read, search, and organize messages with attachments in a clean interface. All files stay on your device.

**Highlights:** Open EML, MSG, OFT files, View email details, Read HTML and plain-text content, Preview attachments with Quick Look, Save and search emails locally, Customizable themes, Private by design

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly | $6.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Premium Access | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is STARDist free?

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

### Is OpenEML free?

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

### Do STARDist or OpenEML have ads?

Neither STARDist nor OpenEML shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, STARDist or OpenEML?

STARDist ships an update every 2 months, and OpenEML every 6 days. Most recently, STARDist was updated on November 6, 2026 and OpenEML on November 12, 2026.

---

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