# Head Model Studio vs ZBrush

The clearest difference is rating: Head Model Studio at 4.6 against ZBrush's 4.1. Head Model Studio also leads on ratings volume (2.5K vs 255). ZBrush's advantage is review sentiment (85% vs 76%). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Head Model Studio sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.00 per month and ZBrush sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Head Model Studio holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Head Model Studio has 2.5K ratings behind it against 255, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 76% of Head Model Studio's written reviews are positive against 85% of ZBrush's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Head Model Studio | ZBrush |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (2.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/head-model-studio-art-study/id1527028690/reviews)** | [4.1 (255 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zbrush-3d-model-maker/id6612028716/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.5K** | 255 |
| Positive reviews | 76.5% of reviews | **85.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 2.2 GB | 1.1 GB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Wes Castain](https://appshunter.io/developer/1527028692) | [MAXON Computer GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1438772272) |

## What reviewers say

### Head Model Studio

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/head-model-studio-art-study/id1527028690)

This app provides 3D reference models for artists to study and draw faces. It offers detailed control over lighting and rendering to help users understand facial planes and tones, aiding in portrait drawing practice.

**Highlights:** 25 detailed 3D head models, Full 3D model control (zoom, tilt, rotate), Realistic environmental and studio lighting, Customizable rendering with edge outlines, Pre-made practice scenes, Study facial planes and geometry

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Month Access | $9.00 | per month |
| 1 Year Access | $16.00 | per year |
| 1 Year Access | $23.00 | one-time |
| Lifetime Access | $50.00 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Excellent reference tool for artists
- 🔍 Helpful for understanding head anatomy and planes
- 🔧 Customizable lighting and model features
- 💰 Reasonable subscription pricing

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Premium features locked behind paywall
- 🔒 Lack of free trial to test premium content
- 🔧 Limited customization options for free users
- 🐛 Occasional technical issues with lighting and model adjustments

**Reported bugs**

- Sudden loss of model functionality after updates
- Overheating issues on some devices

**Requested features**

- Add female Loomis head models
- Expand customization options for paid users
- Implement full-body reference models
- Provide option for one-time lifetime purchase


### ZBrush

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zbrush-3d-model-maker/id6612028716)

Create professional 3D models and digital sculptures on your iPad. This app offers advanced sculpting, painting, and modeling tools with desktop-quality performance, ideal for artists on the go. Seamlessly integrate with desktop workflows for a complete creative experience.

**Highlights:** Pressure-sensitive sculpting with Apple Pencil, 200+ digital sculpting brushes, Advanced 3D modeling tools, Seamless desktop-iPad workflow, High-resolution polygon support, 3D painting without UV setup

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ZBrush Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| ZBrush Annual | $89.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Head Model Studio free?

Head Model Studio is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is ZBrush free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Head Model Studio or ZBrush?

Head Model Studio is rated higher. Head Model Studio averages 4.6 out of 5 from 2.5K ratings, while ZBrush averages 4.1 from 255 ratings.

### Do Head Model Studio or ZBrush have ads?

Neither Head Model Studio nor ZBrush shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Head Model Studio or ZBrush?

Head Model Studio ships an update monthly, and ZBrush monthly. Most recently, Head Model Studio was updated on October 20, 2026 and ZBrush on October 21, 2026.

---

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