# Grad Ally vs Defensive

The clearest difference is rating: Grad Ally at 3.6 against Defensive's 2.7. Grad Ally also leads on review sentiment (60% vs 33%). Defensive's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Grad Ally holds the better App Store score, 3.6 against 2.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12 and 12 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of Grad Ally's written reviews are positive against 33% of Defensive's.

Grad Ally ships an update every 11 months, Defensive every 6 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Grad Ally | Defensive |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.6 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grad-ally/id1605570768/reviews)** | [2.7 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/defensive/id6461083731/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 12 | 12 |
| Positive reviews | **60.0% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 11 months | **Every 6 months** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 18 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Graduation Alliance, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1605570770) | [GoRoadie Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1548955082) |

## What reviewers say

### Grad Ally

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grad-ally/id1605570768)

Access your school portal to monitor class progress and receive important updates. Connect with your support team directly through the app. Note that coursework and assignments must be completed via the web portal.

**Highlights:** Check class progress, Get latest updates, Chat with support team, Access school portal, View student information

**In-app purchases:** none


### Defensive

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/defensive/id6461083731)

Manage your driving school schedule with this official mobile application. View upcoming lessons and book your next behind-the-wheel, observation, or classroom sessions.

**Highlights:** View upcoming lessons, Schedule behind-the-wheel sessions, Schedule observation sessions, Schedule classroom sessions, Official driving school app

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Grad Ally free?

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

### Is Defensive free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Grad Ally or Defensive?

Grad Ally is rated higher. Grad Ally averages 3.6 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Defensive averages 2.7 from 12 ratings.

### Do Grad Ally or Defensive have ads?

Grad Ally shows ads; Defensive does not.

### Which is updated more often, Grad Ally or Defensive?

Grad Ally ships an update every 11 months, and Defensive every 6 months. Most recently, Grad Ally was updated on October 24, 2026 and Defensive 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.*