# Pie VAT vs Synk

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Pie VAT at none against Synk's 4. Pie VAT also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 weeks) and chart position (#183 vs unranked). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Synk sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Pie VAT asks for nothing beyond the download.

Pie VAT ships an update every 5 days, Synk every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pie VAT | Synk |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (8.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pie-vat/id1438421140/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **8.9K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 65.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Best chart rank | **#183** | — |
| Size | 118 MB | 111 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.5** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [PieSystems](https://appshunter.io/developer/1438421139) | [Cephas Jonsson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1892434444) |

## What reviewers say

### Pie VAT

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pie-vat/id1438421140)

**Currently charting:** #183 Top Free · Travel (US App Store)

This app simplifies claiming VAT refunds for travelers. It eliminates paper forms and long waits, offering a quick and easy digital solution to shop tax-free. Track your refund requests and receive your money faster through various payout methods.

**Highlights:** Digital VAT refund claims, Find partner stores, Quick refund requests, Track refund status, Multiple payout options, In-app live help

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy and efficient process
- 👍 User-friendly app
- 💰 Quick refund processing
- 🙌 Excellent customer service
- 🏆 Best VAT refund system

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 High service fees
- 🤔 Unclear fee disclosure
- 🐛 App crashes and bugs
- 🔒 Security and privacy concerns

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when loading documents
- Issues with photo uploads and login

**Requested features**

- More transparent fee structure
- Compatibility with more countries and merchants


### Synk

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synk-trips-and-split-expenses/id6762009078)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Voyager Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| Expedition Monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| Voyager Yearly | $64.99 | per year |
| Expedition Yearly | $169.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pie VAT free?

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

### Is Synk free?

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

### Do Pie VAT or Synk have ads?

Neither Pie VAT nor Synk shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pie VAT or Synk?

Pie VAT ships an update every 5 days, and Synk every 3 weeks. Most recently, Pie VAT was updated on November 1, 2026 and Synk on October 28, 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.*