# RNI Aero vs Cobalt Image

The clearest difference is rating: RNI Aero at 4.7 against Cobalt Image's 2.3. RNI Aero also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and ratings volume (250 vs 6). Cobalt Image's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. RNI Aero sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Cobalt Image sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

RNI Aero holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: RNI Aero has 250 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of RNI Aero's written reviews are positive against 56% of Cobalt Image's.

RNI Aero ships an update every 2 months, Cobalt Image every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and July 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RNI Aero | Cobalt Image |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (250 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rni-aero/id1505193752/reviews)** | [2.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cobalt-image/id6445825171/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **250** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | **65.8% of reviews** | 55.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 48 MB | 203 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [RNI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1012002506) | [Cobalt Image LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1674012276) |

## What reviewers say

### RNI Aero

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rni-aero/id1505193752)

Transform your photos with unique infrared film simulations inspired by vintage Kodak Aerochrome. This app offers a suite of editing tools to fine-tune your images and share them with the world.

**Highlights:** Infrared film simulation, Inspired by Kodak Aerochrome, Film-based photo editor, Adjustment tools (crop, rotate, brightness, contrast, etc.), Vignette and film grain, RAW support, Direct social sharing

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly RNI Aero Subscription | $0.99 | per month |
| Yearly RNI Aero Subscription | $9.99 | per year |
| RNI Aero Pro | $17.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Beautiful and realistic infrared film simulations
- 👍 User-friendly and intuitive interface
- 💰 Affordable one-time purchase option (historically)
- 🎬 High-quality filter effects and color rendering
- ⚡ Fast and efficient photo editing

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Expensive pricing (€20+ for full version)
- 📅 Watermark/date stamp enabled by default and reactivates each time
- 🔐 Requires Apple Sign-in/authentication unnecessarily
- 🚫 Limited number of filters compared to main RNI Films app
- 💳 Switched from one-time purchase to subscription model

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when exporting/saving photos
- Slow performance and unresponsiveness
- Black screen when loading photos
- Preset previews not loading
- Use Last Edits feature doesn't retain filter selection

**Requested features**

- Save custom presets and filter settings
- Live camera mode with real-time filters
- Ability to selectively apply filters to specific areas
- Batch processing for multiple photos
- Black and white infrared filter options


### Cobalt Image

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cobalt-image/id6445825171)

Enhance your iPhone photos with advanced AI, HDR, and smart portrait modes. This app offers unparalleled control over non-raw images, featuring cutting-edge white balance and Luma curve adjustments. Access renowned digital and film emulations for professional-level editing.

**Highlights:** AI-enhanced picture processing, HDR and smart portrait modes, Advanced color models for HEIC files, Unprecedented control over non-raw photos, White balance and Luma curve adjustments, Renowned digital and film emulations, Direct editing from Apple Photos

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cobalt Image Pro Digital | $3.49 | per month |
| Cobalt Image Pro Monthly | $5.49 | per month |
| Cobalt Image Pro Yearly | $44.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RNI Aero free?

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

### Is Cobalt Image free?

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

### Which has better reviews, RNI Aero or Cobalt Image?

RNI Aero is rated higher. RNI Aero averages 4.7 out of 5 from 250 ratings, while Cobalt Image averages 2.3 from 6 ratings.

### Do RNI Aero or Cobalt Image have ads?

Neither RNI Aero nor Cobalt Image shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, RNI Aero or Cobalt Image?

RNI Aero ships an update every 2 months, and Cobalt Image every 5 days. Most recently, RNI Aero was updated on September 20, 2026 and Cobalt Image on July 19, 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.*