Comparison

Visual File Editor vs Sensor Playground

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

Head to head
About

Visual File Editor

Edit various file types, including source code and PDFs, with advanced search and import/export capabilities. Optimized for iPadOS with keyboard support to enhance productivity.

Highlights
  • Source code editing
  • PDF viewing and editing
  • Advanced search by name, type, date
  • Import/export via Share Sheet
  • Create new files
  • iPadOS optimization
  • Keyboard shortcuts
Features
Read full description

Effortlessly edit files using either App Processing or Regular Expressions to suit your needs. Take advantage of Advanced Search to find files by name, type, added date, or modified date. View and edit source code in a variety of file types with ease. Open and explore PDF content directly within the app. Search within documents to quickly find exactly what you’re looking for. Import files easily using the Visual File Editor or the Share Sheet from iOS or iPadOS, even from external locations. Create new files and start editing right away within the app. Share your modified files directly to external locations with just a few taps. Optimized for iPadOS, with full support for Smart/Magic Keyboard and fast keyboard shortcuts to boost your productivity.

About

Sensor Playground

Features
Read full description

Sensor Playground turns your phone into a live dashboard for DIY sensor nodes built on the ESP32 or a Raspberry Pi class single-board computer. Flash the free companion firmware onto your board, wire up a supported sensor, and the app finds the node automatically on your local network or via Bluetooth LE — no cloud, no account, no registration. Readings appear as clear cards and live charts, updated in real time. CONTINUOUSLY GROWING Development is ongoing: updates ship regularly, and support for new sensors is added continuously. If your favourite sensor is not on the list yet, chances are it will arrive in one of the next updates. HIGHLIGHTS • Automatic discovery of sensor nodes over Wi-Fi (LAN) and Bluetooth LE • Live cards and charts for every measured quantity • Air-quality rating derived from IAQ, CO₂ or eCO₂/TVOC readings • Dedicated screens for gesture, distance and contact sensors • Send bitmaps to an SSD1306 OLED display node • Signal-strength badge for Bluetooth nodes • °C/°F switch, English and German, screen-reader friendly • Everything stays on your own network: TLS-encrypted and API-key protected — no cloud involved SUPPORTED SENSORS (and counting) • Environment & air quality: BME680, BME280, SCD30, SGP30, MCP9808, SHT31, SHT41, AHT10/AHT20, CozIR-A • Light & optical: SI1145 (sunlight/UV), TCS34725 (color), analog light sensor • Motion & orientation: IMU 10DOF, MPU6050, MMA7660 • Infrared temperature: MLX90615 (non-contact) • Positioning: Air530 GNSS/GPS • Event-driven: PAJ7620 gesture, VL53L0X laser distance, button, hall sensor, magnetic switch, PIR motion, vibration • Display: SSD1306 OLED (128×64) GOOD TO KNOW • You need at least one sensor node: an ESP32 or a Raspberry Pi class board running the free, open companion firmware. Arduino sketches and Python scripts are available for every supported sensor. • A built-in simulated sensor lets you explore the app before any hardware is connected. • Scanning and discovery are free for all sensors. Data visualisation for a few selected sensors requires a one-time in-app licence purchase, which supports the ongoing development. Whether you are a maker, a teacher, a student or simply curious about the air in your room — Sensor Playground makes hardware experiments visible.

Screenshots

Visual File Editor4 screens
Sensor Playground4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Sensor Playground at none against Visual File Editor's shown. Sensor Playground also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 4 weeks). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement 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. Visual File Editor sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Sensor Playground sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Visual File Editor ships an update every 4 weeks, Sensor Playground every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Visual File Editor versus Sensor Playground: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVisual File EditorSensor Playground
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (25 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews83.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings25 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeksEvery 3 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB26 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperTevon WallacePeter Sauer

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Visual File Editor

One-time1
  • Remove Ads$1.99
1 purchases

Sensor Playground

One-time1
  • Licence$0.99

Questions

Is Visual File Editor free?
Visual File Editor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Sensor Playground free?
Sensor Playground is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Visual File Editor or Sensor Playground have ads?
Visual File Editor shows ads; Sensor Playground does not.
Which is updated more often, Visual File Editor or Sensor Playground?
Visual File Editor ships an update every 4 weeks, and Sensor Playground every 3 days. Most recently, Visual File Editor was updated on October 8, 2026 and Sensor Playground on October 12, 2026.

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