Comparison

Head Model Studio vs Cranio Head Study

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

Head to head
About

Head Model Studio

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
Read full description

Draw better portraits with Head Model Studio. Study faces in detail from simple planes to complex geometry. It is the best iOS / iPadOS application to learn and study faces in detail. Take your sketches to the next level. INSPIRED BY FAMOUS TECHNIQUES Inspired by master methodologies, Head Model Studio comes with 25 different models, including 2 free. From simple to more detailed models, progress easily by understanding the planes of the face. Expand your practice with 5 classical models. COMPLETE CONTROL You have complete control over the 3D models. Zoom, tilt, and rotate to study each part of the model at will. ENVIRONMENTAL & STUDIO LIGHTING Realistic environmental lighting based on HDR photos, recreate a sunrise, midday, or sunset illumination. Switch to Studio Lighting to create amazing lighting composition with multiple spotlights and different colors. Change the lighting to be at any angle or intensity. Perfect to study the planes of the head and understand tones. CUSTOMISABLE RENDERING The edge outline highlights the planes for easier practice. Turn it off once comfortable and practice in a more realistic setting. Modify the shininess for a different material rendering. PRE-MADE PRACTICE Want to learn to draw but unsure where or how to start? We’ve created a bunch of scenes to get you started. PRICING Head Model Studio offers a couple of free models. A premium access is required to access the rest of the models. Lifetime and Yearly (non-recurring) options are available. WE LOVE FEEDBACK I love coding and drawing, feel free to reach out, and tell me what feature you'd love to see in the app. Terms & Conditions: https://headmodelstudio.com/terms-conditions/

About

Cranio Head Study

Features
Read full description

Cranio Head Study is a focused reference tool for artists who want to master the planes of the head. Rotate, pose and light a precise 3D head and body reference, then draw from it at any angle. No clutter, no noise — just the head, the light, and your practice. FEATURES • Full 360° rotation and free orbit around the head • Multiple head models and surface finishes • A full lighting rig with up to five lights for dramatic studies • Plane-shaded and smooth modes to understand structure • Clean, distraction-free interface built for long drawing sessions • Export reference frames in high resolution PRO Unlock all head models, every finish, the full five-light rig, and 4K export with no watermark. Available as a monthly or annual subscription, or a one-time lifetime purchase. Perfect for figure-drawing students, portrait artists, animators and anyone learning to see the head as simple planes and forms. Privacy : https://asarolabs.com/privacy Terms : https://asarolabs.com/terms

Screenshots

Head Model Studio4 screens
Cranio Head Study4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Cranio Head Study at every 9 days against Head Model Studio's monthly. Head Model Studio's advantage is iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18.2). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Head Model Studio sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.00 per month and Cranio Head Study sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Head Model Studio ships an update monthly, Cranio Head Study every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Head Model Studio versus Cranio Head Study: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHead Model StudioCranio Head Study
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (2.4K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews76.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings2.4K — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.4 — better18.2
Further details — not scored
Size2.2 GB159 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperWes CastainAvinash Kumawat

Bugs and requests

Head Model Studio

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

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

Cranio Head Study

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Head Model Studio

Subscriptions2
  • 1 Month Access$9.001 Month
  • 1 Year Access$16.001 Year
One-time2
  • 1 Year Access$23.00
  • Lifetime Access$50.00
5 purchases

Cranio Head Study

Subscriptions4
  • Pro Annual$2.991 Year
  • Pro Monthly$2.991 Month
  • Pro · Monthly$4.991 Month
Show 1 more
  • Pro · Annual$29.991 Year
One-time1
  • Pro · Lifetime$9.99

Questions

Is Head Model Studio free?
Head Model Studio is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Cranio Head Study free?
Cranio Head Study is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Head Model Studio or Cranio Head Study have ads?
Neither Head Model Studio nor Cranio Head Study shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Head Model Studio or Cranio Head Study?
Head Model Studio ships an update monthly, and Cranio Head Study every 9 days. Most recently, Head Model Studio was updated on September 29, 2026 and Cranio Head Study on September 27, 2026.

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