# ‎iArtbook vs DrawBuddy

The clearest difference is rating: DrawBuddy at 4.4 against ‎iArtbook's 3.8. ‎iArtbook's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and review sentiment (44% vs 19%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ‎iArtbook sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and DrawBuddy sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

DrawBuddy holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ‎iArtbook has 12K ratings behind it against 481, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 44% of ‎iArtbook's written reviews are positive against 19% of DrawBuddy's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

‎iArtbook ships an update every 8 days, DrawBuddy every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ‎iArtbook | DrawBuddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iartbook/id1451457615/reviews) | **[4.4 (481 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drawbuddy-how-to-draw/id6445878162/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 481 |
| Positive reviews | **43.7% of reviews** | 19.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 8 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#102** | — |
| Size | 388 MB | 42 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.3** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Alexander Kondrashov](https://appshunter.io/developer/498934210) | [Bohdan Hlushko](https://appshunter.io/developer/1622883946) |

## What reviewers say

### ‎iArtbook

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iartbook/id1451457615)

**Currently charting:** #102 Top Free · Graphics & Design (US App Store)

This app offers a robust digital art creation experience with unlimited layers, blend modes, and masks. It features advanced brush customization, calligraphy tools, and animation capabilities. Ideal for artists seeking professional-grade drawing and painting tools on their device.

**Highlights:** Unlimited layers with blend modes and masks, Advanced brush customization and calligraphy tools, Animation creation with multiple layers and export options, Apple Pencil support with pressure and tilt, Time-Lapse video recording, Learn to draw by copying professional art

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| iArtbook Pro for iPhone | $7.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade to iArtbook Pro | $12.99 | one-time |
| iArtbook Pro for iPad | $12.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great free alternative to Procreate
- 👍 Variety of brushes and textures
- 🎨 Excellent for drawing and animation
- 💡 Ability to create custom brushes

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and glitches
- 🔍 Confusing UI and navigation
- 📤 Ads for premium features too frequent
- 🎨 Limited selection of basic brushes

**Reported bugs**

- Layers glitching and creating unwanted artifacts
- Inability to save or export artwork properly
- Brush and tool settings not persisting between sessions

**Requested features**

- Add symmetry tool
- Implement layer folders and management
- Include audio support for animations
- Improve selection and transformation tools


### DrawBuddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drawbuddy-how-to-draw/id6445878162)

Learn to draw with step-by-step tutorials and guides designed for artists of all levels. Enhance your digital art skills using Apple Pencil with a variety of drawing categories. Practice on the go with quick draw options and create masterpieces.

**Highlights:** Step-by-step drawing tutorials, Digital art creation, Apple Pencil support, Quick draw practice, Multiple drawing categories, Skill enhancement for beginners and professionals

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly subscription | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly subscription | $7.99 | per month |
| Weekly subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly subscription | $12.99 | per month |
| Three month subscription | $19.99 | per 3 months |
| Monthly subscription | $19.99 | per month |
| Annual subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| Annual subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| Annual subscription | $69.99 | per year |
| Annual subscription | $69.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Access | $79.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Amazing drawings
- 👍 Good app for drawing
- 👍 Great app potential

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Requires payment for basic features
- 💰 Free trial issues
- 💰 Unexpected charges
- 💰 App not free
- 💰 Expensive subscription

**Reported bugs**

- Video not playing during free trial
- Payment pop-ups prevent drawing
- Charged full month instead of trial

**Requested features**

- More drawing options
- More pictures/drawings
- Make the app free
- Add pencil tool back


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ‎iArtbook free?

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

### Is DrawBuddy free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ‎iArtbook or DrawBuddy?

DrawBuddy is rated higher. ‎iArtbook averages 3.8 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while DrawBuddy averages 4.4 from 481 ratings.

### Do ‎iArtbook or DrawBuddy have ads?

Neither ‎iArtbook nor DrawBuddy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ‎iArtbook or DrawBuddy?

‎iArtbook ships an update every 8 days, and DrawBuddy every 3 weeks. Most recently, ‎iArtbook was updated on November 3, 2026 and DrawBuddy on October 30, 2026.

---

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