# IBS 2026 vs CES 2026

The clearest difference is update cadence: CES 2026 at every 2 months against IBS 2026's every 12 months. IBS 2026's advantage is review sentiment (36% vs 21%). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for IBS 2026 against 4.6 for CES 2026. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.3K and 1.5K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 36% of IBS 2026's written reviews are positive against 21% of CES 2026's.

IBS 2026 ships an update every 12 months, CES 2026 every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 16, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | IBS 2026 | CES 2026 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (1.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibs-2026/id1446351348/reviews)** | [4.6 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ces-2026/id6443741077/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1.3K | **1.5K** |
| Positive reviews | **36.4% of reviews** | 20.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 12 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 116 MB | 142 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [National Association of Home Builders](https://appshunter.io/developer/1225615011) | [Consumer Technology Association](https://appshunter.io/developer/586368645) |

## What reviewers say

### IBS 2026

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibs-2026/id1446351348)

Plan your visit to the NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS) with the official mobile app. Access exhibitor lists, maps, show highlights, education schedules, and event details to make the most of your time at the show.

**Highlights:** Exhibitor list, Maps, Show Highlights, Education schedules, Event details, Favorites

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Convenient app for the event
- 🚀 Easy to navigate between meetings
- 💡 Helpful for finding exhibitors

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and unstable on various devices
- 🤔 Weak search functionality
- 🤨 Confusing map and navigation
- 🔒 Login and account issues

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes and screen jumping on tablets
- Unable to log in or access account information

**Requested features**

- Integrate favorites/saved exhibitors into the map
- Provide more detailed floor plans and exhibitor information
- Improve search capabilities to easily find specific exhibitors


### CES 2026

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ces-2026/id6443741077)

Navigate the official event app for CES 2026. Discover exhibitors, sessions, and speakers, and plan your visit with maps and transportation details. Personalize your schedule, connect with attendees, and stay informed with important notifications and resources.

**Highlights:** Exhibitor, session, and speaker information, Interactive maps and transportation planning, Personalized agenda and session recommendations, Attendee networking, Event notifications, On-site service resources

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Seamless experience
- 💡 Incredible event experience
- 👍 Helpful for learning about exhibitors and show layout

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes frequently
- 🐛 Doesn't load past splash screen
- 🐛 Freezes when trying to favorite vendors
- 🐛 Interactive map repeatedly crashes
- 🐛 Login issues, unable to login

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when browsing company info
- Incompatible with latest iOS version
- Exhibitor list and locations inaccurate

**Requested features**

- Add ability to add notes to favorited companies
- Provide links to CES Daily and PDF venue maps
- Implement real-time location tracking and navigation
- Integrate purchased sessions/tours into agenda
- Allow direct messaging to speakers


## Frequently asked questions

### Is IBS 2026 free?

IBS 2026 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is CES 2026 free?

CES 2026 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, IBS 2026 or CES 2026?

IBS 2026 is rated higher. IBS 2026 averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.3K ratings, while CES 2026 averages 4.6 from 1.5K ratings.

### Do IBS 2026 or CES 2026 have ads?

Neither IBS 2026 nor CES 2026 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, IBS 2026 or CES 2026?

IBS 2026 ships an update every 12 months, and CES 2026 every 2 months. Most recently, IBS 2026 was updated on October 16, 2026 and CES 2026 on October 16, 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.*