# AnSMS vs The Chippy Calc

The clearest difference is review sentiment: The Chippy Calc at 100% against AnSMS's 50%. AnSMS's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 16.4). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Chippy Calc sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. AnSMS asks for nothing beyond the download.

AnSMS ships an update every 4 months, The Chippy Calc every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AnSMS | The Chippy Calc |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-chippy-calc-builder-tools/id6499256065/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 29 MB | 76 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Caelan Bistram](https://appshunter.io/developer/1535295876) | [Vike Digital Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1742926734) |

## What reviewers say

### AnSMS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ansms/id1535295664)

Automate SMS commands for your VT4 and VT5 tracker. Easily create custom messages to control your device's functions directly from your phone.

**Highlights:** Auto-create SMS commands, Control VT4 tracker, Control VT5 tracker, Customizable commands

**In-app purchases:** none


### The Chippy Calc

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-chippy-calc-builder-tools/id6499256065)

This app provides carpenters, builders, and DIYers with precise, visual construction calculations. It offers specialized tools for stairs, decks, rafters, and more, with support for both metric and imperial units. All calculations can be saved and accessed offline.

**Highlights:** Visual results with scaled diagrams, Metric and imperial unit support, Offline functionality, 14+ specialized construction calculators, Stair, deck, and rafter calculations, Linear cut list optimization

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Annually | $19.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Premium Access | $79.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AnSMS free?

AnSMS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is The Chippy Calc free?

The Chippy Calc is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do AnSMS or The Chippy Calc have ads?

Neither AnSMS nor The Chippy Calc shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AnSMS or The Chippy Calc?

AnSMS ships an update every 4 months, and The Chippy Calc every 2 months. Most recently, AnSMS was updated on October 2, 2026 and The Chippy Calc on October 9, 2026.

---

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