# Plate Lookup vs VIN decoder & VIN code scanner

The clearest difference is review sentiment: VIN decoder & VIN code scanner at 100% against Plate Lookup's 30%. VIN decoder & VIN code scanner also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.0) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 10 months). Plate Lookup's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Plate Lookup sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and VIN decoder & VIN code scanner sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

VIN decoder & VIN code scanner holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 44 and 112 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 30% of Plate Lookup's written reviews are positive against 100% of VIN decoder & VIN code scanner's.

Plate Lookup ships an update every 10 months, VIN decoder & VIN code scanner every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on July 25, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Plate Lookup | VIN decoder & VIN code scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (44 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plate-lookup/id1457003809/reviews) | **[4.7 (112 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vin-decoder-and-vin-code-scanner/id6446398420/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 44 | **112** |
| Positive reviews | 29.6% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 10 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 2 MB | 39 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Casey Evanoff](https://appshunter.io/developer/319345353) | [Vitaliy Mischenko](https://appshunter.io/developer/1661516195) |

## What reviewers say

### Plate Lookup

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plate-lookup/id1457003809)

Instantly identify vehicles by their license plate. Get details like make, model, year, engine specs, and even a photo. Perfect for car enthusiasts or anyone curious about a vehicle on the road.

**Highlights:** License plate lookup, Vehicle make and model, Year and trim details, Engine specifications, Vehicle photos, Fuel type information

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Full Version | $0.99 | one-time |


### VIN decoder & VIN code scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vin-decoder-and-vin-code-scanner/id6446398420)

Instantly decode any vehicle's VIN with this app. It offers both manual input and a VIN scanner for quick, accurate vehicle information, including auction history and average pricing.

**Highlights:** VIN code decoding, Real-time VIN scanner, VIN code recognition from text, Auction participation check, Average vehicle price estimation, VIN code validation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Access for a month | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium Access for a year | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Plate Lookup free?

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

### Is VIN decoder & VIN code scanner free?

VIN decoder & VIN code scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Plate Lookup or VIN decoder & VIN code scanner?

VIN decoder & VIN code scanner is rated higher. Plate Lookup averages 3.0 out of 5 from 44 ratings, while VIN decoder & VIN code scanner averages 4.7 from 112 ratings.

### Do Plate Lookup or VIN decoder & VIN code scanner have ads?

VIN decoder & VIN code scanner shows ads; Plate Lookup does not.

### Which is updated more often, Plate Lookup or VIN decoder & VIN code scanner?

Plate Lookup ships an update every 10 months, and VIN decoder & VIN code scanner every 3 weeks. Most recently, Plate Lookup was updated on July 25, 2026 and VIN decoder & VIN code scanner on September 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.*