# VGC Helper vs Start.gg

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Start.gg at none against VGC Helper's 3. Start.gg also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 weeks) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). VGC Helper's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (567 vs 9). On price, rating and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VGC Helper sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Start.gg asks for nothing beyond the download.

VGC Helper holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VGC Helper has 567 ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 91% of VGC Helper's written reviews are positive against 75% of Start.gg's.

VGC Helper ships an update every 3 weeks, Start.gg every 3 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | VGC Helper | Start.gg |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (567 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vgc-helper/id1598784937/reviews)** | [4.7 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startgg/id6767013961/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **567** | 9 |
| Positive reviews | **90.9% of reviews** | 75.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 66 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [John Rommel Estropia](https://appshunter.io/developer/995957792) | [Startgg, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896346640) |

## What reviewers say

### VGC Helper

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vgc-helper/id1598784937)

This app assists players in building competitive teams for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's Ranked Battles. It offers tools for damage calculation, speed ranking, and live battle assistance, along with comprehensive team management and Poképaste integration.

**Highlights:** Team Builder, Damage Calculator, Speed Ranking Calculator, Battle Assistant, Poképaste Support, Team Management, Pokémon/Move/Ability/Item Search

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tip a Sandwich | $0.99 | one-time |
| Tip 5 Sandwiches | $4.99 | one-time |
| Tip 10 Sandwiches | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Clean, intuitive, and easy-to-use interface
- 🚀 Fast and responsive performance
- 💡 Integrated damage calculator and speed checker
- 📱 Works offline without internet connection
- ✨ No ads or intrusive monetization

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🎨 Dull color palette and minimal art style
- ⏱️ Lack of regular updates (last update April 2024)
- 📦 Missing data for recent game regulations
- 🐛 Level selection locked at level 50
- ⚙️ EV input system wastes 4 EVs per Pokémon

**Reported bugs**

- Tatsugiri only learns 4 moves (Draco Meteor, Helping Hand, Muddy Water, Celebrate)
- Level select for team building non-functional
- Team reorganization causes duplicate teams and override issues
- Overridden teams become uneditable until menu exit
- Missing Pokémon data for certain species (e.g., Emboar)

**Requested features**

- Shiny Pokémon option/toggle
- Pokémon Box for storing specific builds
- Save individual Pokémon builds across teams
- Ability to set exact EV values
- Level selection beyond level 50


### Start.gg

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startgg/id6767013961)

Discover and participate in competitive gaming events, from online tournaments to major esports conventions. Track your progress, follow favorite players, and receive real-time tournament updates. Manage your competitive gaming experience on the go.

**Highlights:** Find online tournaments, Discover esports conventions, Follow favorite players, Receive tournament notifications, Browse player profiles and rankings, Support for hundreds of games

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VGC Helper free?

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

### Is Start.gg free?

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

### Which has better reviews, VGC Helper or Start.gg?

VGC Helper is rated higher. VGC Helper averages 4.8 out of 5 from 567 ratings, while Start.gg averages 4.7 from 9 ratings.

### Do VGC Helper or Start.gg have ads?

Start.gg shows ads; VGC Helper does not.

### Which is updated more often, VGC Helper or Start.gg?

VGC Helper ships an update every 3 weeks, and Start.gg every 3 days. Most recently, VGC Helper was updated on October 24, 2026 and Start.gg on October 24, 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.*