# Plate Lookup vs VIN decoder & Window Sticker

The clearest difference is review sentiment: VIN decoder & Window Sticker at 90% against Plate Lookup's 52%. VIN decoder & Window Sticker also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.6). Plate Lookup's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months) and rating (4.7 vs 4.4). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Plate Lookup sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and VIN decoder & Window Sticker sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Plate Lookup holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Plate Lookup has 4.1K ratings behind it against 68, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 52% of Plate Lookup's written reviews are positive against 90% of VIN decoder & Window Sticker's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Plate Lookup ships an update every 9 days, VIN decoder & Window Sticker every 2 months. Both last shipped on November 7, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Plate Lookup | VIN decoder & Window Sticker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (4.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plate-lookup-vin-check/id1476862366/reviews)** | [4.4 (68 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vin-decoder-and-window-sticker/id1576559330/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4.1K** | 68 |
| Positive reviews | 52.4% of reviews | **89.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 173 MB | 120 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Plate Lookup LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1444803041) | [Vehicle History](https://appshunter.io/developer/1576559332) |

## What reviewers say

### Plate Lookup

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plate-lookup-vin-check/id1476862366)

Instantly access comprehensive vehicle information using license plates or VINs. Get details on specs, history, market value, and damage. Ideal for buyers, auto professionals, and fleet managers.

**Highlights:** VIN Decoder, License Plate Lookup, VIN Scanner, Vehicle History Reports, Market Value Estimates, Damage Marking Tool, Recall Information

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Lite | $7.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $24.99 | per month |
| 3 Months | $59.99 | per 3 months |
| 1 Vehicle History Report | $9.99 | one-time |
| 50 credits | $9.99 | one-time |
| 3 Vehicle History Reports | $19.99 | one-time |
| 150 credits | $19.99 | one-time |
| 10 Vehicle History Reports | $49.99 | one-time |
| 500 credits | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate information
- 🚀 Helpful for work
- 👍 Great app
- 👍 Very useful

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Paid service
- 💰 Expensive
- 🐛 Doesn't work
- 🐛 Unreliable
- 🔒 Privacy concerns

**Reported bugs**

- Errors and server issues
- Compatibility problems
- Inconsistent functionality

**Requested features**

- Add Canadian provinces
- Add more countries
- Allow deleting search history


### VIN decoder & Window Sticker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vin-decoder-and-window-sticker/id1576559330)

Instantly decode any vehicle's VIN to reveal its specifications, original window sticker, and comprehensive history. Access accident records, mileage, title checks, and maintenance insights. Supports classic cars and global coverage.

**Highlights:** Free VIN Decoder, Vehicle History Reports, Window Sticker Lookup, License Plate Lookup (US), Auction Photos & Records, Maintenance & Warranty Insights, Classic VIN Check

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Basic | $19.99 | one-time |
| Silver | $29.99 | one-time |
| Gold | $49.99 | one-time |
| Gold | $59.99 | one-time |
| Platinum | $79.99 | one-time |
| Diamond | $79.99 | one-time |
| Gold | $349.99 | one-time |
| Platinum | $599.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 💡 Comprehensive information
- ✅ Accurate reports
- 🤝 Great customer service

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚩 Scam accusations
- ⏳ Wasted time
- ❓ Misleading website
- 💰 Unnecessary purchases
- 📉 Inaccurate information

**Reported bugs**

- Report not showing up
- App stops working offline
- Unexpected charges

**Requested features**

- Combine VIN report and sticker purchase
- Clarify pricing on website
- Improve accuracy of window stickers
- Offline VIN decoding functionality


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Plate Lookup free?

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

### Is VIN decoder & Window Sticker free?

VIN decoder & Window Sticker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Plate Lookup or VIN decoder & Window Sticker?

Plate Lookup is rated higher. Plate Lookup averages 4.7 out of 5 from 4.1K ratings, while VIN decoder & Window Sticker averages 4.4 from 68 ratings.

### Do Plate Lookup or VIN decoder & Window Sticker have ads?

Neither Plate Lookup nor VIN decoder & Window Sticker shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Plate Lookup or VIN decoder & Window Sticker?

Plate Lookup ships an update every 9 days, and VIN decoder & Window Sticker every 2 months. Most recently, Plate Lookup was updated on November 7, 2026 and VIN decoder & Window Sticker on November 7, 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.*