Comparison

LaunchBuddy vs ShipNotes

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

Head to head
About

LaunchBuddy

This app helps indie developers plan, track, and ship their applications more efficiently. It allows users to capture ideas, manage project details, and organize release tasks in one centralized location to streamline the development process.

Highlights
  • Capture app ideas
  • Track project status
  • Plan releases and updates
  • Manage release tasks
  • Centralized app dashboard
  • Create custom checklists (Pro)
Features
Read full description

Ship and grow your iOS apps — without the wrong tools. LaunchBuddy is the release manager built for indie iOS developers. Plan each version, write release notes, stay on top of App Store Connect work, and keep ASO and analytics in the loop from first build to ship day. BUILT FOR INDIE DEVELOPERS Apps Dashboard Every app you ship, one place. Track status, platforms, store links, and the work that still blocks release. Release Planning Create a release, set a target date, and break down what has to happen before review. Changelogs and checklists live with the version — not in a generic productivity app. Release Notes & Changelog Draft what’s new as you build. Keep a clean history for App Store submissions and your users. App Store Connect Ready Stay oriented around submission, metadata, and the steps that matter for indie releases. ASO & Growth Context Keep keywords, positioning, and growth work next to the release you’re actually shipping. GENEROUS FREE TIER Use LaunchBuddy with up to 2 apps, free forever. No time limits on the basics. UPGRADE TO PRO - Unlimited apps - Custom checklists for every release - Dashboard filters - Priority support and early access Whether you’re preparing a first App Store submission or shipping updates across a portfolio, LaunchBuddy keeps release work focused on shipping and growing. AVAILABLE ON MAC Works on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Plan on the go, then sit down and ship. Terms of Use: https://flowritesco.de/launchbuddy/tos.html

About

ShipNotes

Features
Read full description

ShipNotes makes managing App Store release notes effortless. Write your release notes once, translate them instantly, and publish directly to App Store Connect. MANAGE ALL YOUR APPS IN ONE PLACE See all your apps at a glance with real-time status updates. Track which apps are released, in review, or need attention. Favorite your most important apps for quick access. INSTANT TRANSLATIONS WITH DEEPL Translate your release notes to 30+ languages with one tap. Powered by DeepL's industry-leading translation quality. Write in your native language and reach users worldwide. • Automatic translation to all supported App Store languages • High-quality translations that sound natural • Edit translations before publishing • Save translations for future reference PUBLISH DIRECTLY TO APP STORE CONNECT No more copy-pasting between apps. ShipNotes connects directly to App Store Connect using your API credentials. Update release notes for any locale in seconds. • Secure API connection with your own credentials • Support for all App Store localizations • Real-time sync with App Store Connect • Track submission status for each app BUILT FOR INDIE DEVELOPERS AND TEAMS Whether you manage one app or dozens, ShipNotes saves you hours of repetitive work. Focus on building great apps while ShipNotes handles the translations. KEY FEATURES • Multi-app management dashboard • One-tap DeepL translations • Direct App Store Connect integration • Real-time app status tracking • Favorite apps for quick access • Translation history and caching • Support for 30+ languages GETTING STARTED 1. Add your App Store Connect API credentials 2. Add your DeepL API key (free tier available) 3. Select your app and write release notes 4. Translate and publish with one tap

Screenshots

LaunchBuddy4 screens
ShipNotes3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: ShipNotes at every 6 days against LaunchBuddy's every 5 weeks. LaunchBuddy's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. LaunchBuddy sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and ShipNotes sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

LaunchBuddy ships an update every 5 weeks, ShipNotes every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
LaunchBuddy versus ShipNotes: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLaunchBuddyShipNotes
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (107 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews85.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings107 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeksEvery 6 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone
Requires iOS26.0 — better26.1
Further details — not scored
Size83 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFlorian SchweizerPatrick van der Ploeg

In-app purchases

10 purchases

LaunchBuddy

Subscriptions4
  • LaunchBuddy Pro (Monthly)$2.991 Month
  • LaunchBuddy Pro (Weekly)3 Days trial$2.997 Days
  • LaunchBuddy Pro (Yearly)7 Days trial$19.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • LaunchBuddy Pro (Annually)$49.991 Year
One-time6
  • LaunchBuddy Pro (Small)$4.99
  • LaunchBuddy Pro (Medium)$9.99
  • LaunchBuddy Pro (Large)$24.99
Show 3 more
  • LaunchBuddy Pro (Lifetime)$36.99
  • LaunchBuddy Pro (Giant)$49.99
  • LaunchBuddy Pro (Lifetime)$149.99
2 purchases

ShipNotes

Subscriptions2
  • ShipNotes Monthly Subscription3 Days trial$6.991 Month
  • ShipNotes Annual Subscription$29.991 Year

Questions

Is LaunchBuddy free?
LaunchBuddy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ShipNotes free?
ShipNotes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do LaunchBuddy or ShipNotes have ads?
Neither LaunchBuddy nor ShipNotes shows ads.
Which is updated more often, LaunchBuddy or ShipNotes?
LaunchBuddy ships an update every 5 weeks, and ShipNotes every 6 days. Most recently, LaunchBuddy was updated on October 12, 2026 and ShipNotes on September 27, 2026.

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