# Elf Cam vs Elf Studio

The clearest difference is monetization model: Elf Studio at free with in-app purchases against Elf Cam's subscription. Elf Studio also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (45% vs 21%). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Elf Cam sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per year and Elf Studio sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Elf Studio holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7K and 3.7K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 21% of Elf Cam's written reviews are positive against 45% of Elf Studio's.

Elf Cam ships an update every 5 days, Elf Studio every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Elf Cam | Elf Studio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elf-cam-santas-elf-tracker/id1540065832/reviews) | **[4.7 (3.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elf-studio/id6443879616/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **7K** | 3.7K |
| Positive reviews | 20.9% of reviews | **45.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 174 MB | 228 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Scibble LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1871451542) | [North Pole Command Centre Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/976131058) |

## What reviewers say

### Elf Cam

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elf-cam-santas-elf-tracker/id1540065832)

Capture magical moments with a virtual elf in your home. Design your own unique elf, set it in motion, and record videos with fun filters. Share the festive fun with your children and create lasting holiday memories.

**Highlights:** Place virtual elf in home, Design custom elf characters, Animate elf movements, Record videos with elf, Apply video filters, Share magical videos

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock ElfCam | $1.99 | per year |
| Unlock ElfCam | $2.99 | per year |
| Unlock ElfCam | $3.99 | per year |
| Unlock Elf Cam. Record & share | $3.99 | per year |
| 6 Month Pass | $3.99 | per 6 months |
| Unlock App | $3.99 | per year |
| Monthly Pass | $3.99 | per month |
| Yearly Pass | $7.99 | per year |
| Extra Animations and Filters | $0.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Access | $14.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎄 Brings Christmas magic to life
- 🤩 Fun and engaging for kids
- 👍 Easy to use app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription required to use app
- 🙅‍♀️ Limited customization options
- 🤖 Unrealistic elf animations
- 🤔 Doesn't match real-life elf

**Reported bugs**

- Scanning issues
- App crashes and freezes
- Subscription issues

**Requested features**

- More elf outfit options
- Ability to use multiple elves
- Free trial period
- Improved scanning and tracking


### Elf Studio

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elf-studio/id6443879616)

Create magical videos and photos of Santa and his elves visiting your home using augmented reality. Place characters in any environment, customize their appearance and animations, and record your own festive scenes.

**Highlights:** Add Santa Claus and elves, Unlimited elves and recording time, Create custom elves with Elf Workshop, Customize elf outfits and accessories, Elves with walking and dancing animations, Pre-plan or perform animations, Customize lighting, shadows, and camera filters

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Elf Studio | $1.99 | per month |
| Elf Studio™ - Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Unlock Elf Studio | $3.99 | per year |
| Elf Studio™ - Annual | $6.99 | per year |
| 50+ Elf Dance Animations | $0.99 | one-time |
| Elf Studio - Lifetime Pass | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎅 Elf-themed game
- 👍 Fun for kids
- 💡 Ability to create elf scenes

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Many features locked behind paywall
- 🐛 Glitchy performance
- 🚫 Limited free functionality

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to scan surfaces for elf placement
- Crashes and freezes when trying to use app

**Requested features**

- More free customization options
- Ability to save and share created scenes
- Improved surface detection for elf placement


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Elf Cam free?

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

### Is Elf Studio free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Elf Cam or Elf Studio?

Elf Studio is rated higher. Elf Cam averages 4.5 out of 5 from 7K ratings, while Elf Studio averages 4.7 from 3.7K ratings.

### Do Elf Cam or Elf Studio have ads?

Elf Cam shows ads; Elf Studio does not.

### Which is updated more often, Elf Cam or Elf Studio?

Elf Cam ships an update every 5 days, and Elf Studio every 3 days. Most recently, Elf Cam was updated on September 21, 2026 and Elf Studio on September 22, 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.*