Comparison

Strikeman vs Shotbud

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Strikeman

Practice firearm shooting skills safely and effectively using a laser, target, and smartphone. The app records your shots, provides detailed metrics, and tracks your progress over time.

Highlights
  • Laser shot recording
  • Target calibration
  • Shooting metrics display
  • Progress tracking with graphs
  • Shot history archive
  • Customizable audio feedback
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

The Strikeman app allows users to practice their shooting skills without the need for real ammunition. Using our laser bullet, target and smart phone mount, the app records the target and records the users shot scores based on where the laser hit the target. The app is composed of 3 sections: Section 1 – Training The training section is the initial area of the app where the user can practice their shooting skills. Upon beginning a session, a warning screen is shown to ensure that proper firearm safety is taking place before beginning a session. Once the user agrees, the target appears on the screen. The user calibrates the screen to the target by using two fingers to cover the circumference of the target. Then, the distance from the target is selected and they can begin shooting. Each shot from the firearm triggers a laser, which emits a laser strike on the target, and the app records the score. Shooting metrics appear on the screen to show the user how they are doing during the session. This is accompanied by audio. Once the session is complete, all shots will be shown on the target and saved into an archive. Section 2 – History The history section provides screenshots, shooting metrics, and graphs for the user to track their progress. This includes average score, average range, total shots and total sessions. The information is presented on a histogram and a pie chart. This information is saved in an archive. Section 3 – Settings The settings section allows the user to turn on/off gun shot audio and voice feedback. Users can toggle the distance metric, selecting either feet or yards. They can also report an issue if the app isn’t working correctly. The App provides access to the initial tutorial to ensure that all safety precautions are being taken. Privacy Policy: https://www.strikeman.io/pages/ios-privacy-page EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Shotbud

This app functions as a comprehensive shot timer for your watch, utilizing its sensors to accurately detect and isolate shots. It offers various training modes, detailed results, and customizable sensitivity settings to enhance your practice experience.

Highlights
  • Detects shots using watch sensors
  • Combines audio and motion data
  • Run drills with par times
  • View results and split times
  • Adjustable sensitivity settings
  • Multiple shooting modes
Read full description

Shotbud is a full shot timer that uses the sensors in your watch to detect and isolate your shots. What makes Shotbud work? • We combine audio and motion data to remove false‑positives, so Shotbud works even around other shooters! • Run different drills by setting a par time. • See your results and split times. • Quickly adjust between modes using our built-in presets, including Live Fire, Dry Fire, CO2 Dry Fire, and Airsoft. • Optionally adjust microphone, echo, and motion sensitivity. Shotbud is free for a limited time. We will be adding more features. During this time we would especially appreciate any feedback from users. Software Requirements: • Shotbud is made for devices running iOS 13+ and watchOS 6+. • Shotbud uses your watch's microphone to detect the audio of your shots. • Shotbud integrates with the Health app on your watch to detect your heart rate and to run on older devices while the screen is off.

Screenshots

Strikeman4 screens
Shotbud4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shotbud at none against Strikeman's 2. Shotbud also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). Strikeman's advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 5 months) and ratings volume (1.7K vs 49). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Strikeman sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Shotbud asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Strikeman holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Strikeman has 1.7K ratings behind it against 49, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 74% of Strikeman's written reviews are positive against 55% of Shotbud's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Strikeman ships an update every 5 weeks, Shotbud every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
Strikeman versus Shotbud: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStrikemanShotbud
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (1.7K ratings) — better3.9 (49 ratings)
Positive reviews74.5% of reviews — better55.2% of reviews
Number of ratings1.7K — better49
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeks — betterEvery 5 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
Best chart rank#188 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch
Requires iOS15.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size432 MB4 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperStrikeman USA, Inc.Shotbud LLC

Customer experience

Strikeman

All ratings1,738 ratings
Positive80.3%
Neutral4.3%
Negative15.5%
Written reviews141 reviews
Positive74.5%
Neutral4.3%
Negative21.3%

Shotbud

All ratings49 ratings
Positive73.5%
Neutral6.1%
Negative20.4%
Written reviews29 reviews
Positive55.2%
Neutral13.8%
Negative31.0%

Bugs and requests

Strikeman

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • App crashes during calibration
  • Shots not registering accurately
  • Compatibility issues with certain phones

Requested features

4 requests
  • Allow deleting/clearing of session history
  • Add more target and game modes
  • Implement shot timer and rapid fire functionality
  • Provide more detailed performance metrics

Shotbud

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Strikeman

Subscriptions2
  • Strikeman Pro Monthly14 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Yearly Strikeman Subscription14 Days trial$79.991 Year
None

Shotbud

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Strikeman free?
Strikeman is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Shotbud free?
Shotbud is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Strikeman or Shotbud?
Strikeman is rated higher. Strikeman averages 4.1 out of 5 from 1.7K ratings, while Shotbud averages 3.9 from 49 ratings.
Do Strikeman or Shotbud have ads?
Neither Strikeman nor Shotbud shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Strikeman or Shotbud?
Strikeman ships an update every 5 weeks, and Shotbud every 5 months. Most recently, Strikeman was updated on October 18, 2026 and Shotbud on October 17, 2026.

Other comparisons