# NOVA vs barnacle plans

The clearest difference is rating: barnacle plans at 5.0 against NOVA's 4.3. barnacle plans also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3). NOVA's advantage is ratings volume (1.2K vs 2) and chart position (#148 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NOVA sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month. barnacle plans asks for nothing beyond the download.

barnacle plans holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NOVA has 1.2K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

NOVA ships an update every 3 weeks, barnacle plans every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NOVA | barnacle plans |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-the-creative-network/id1642834730/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barnacle-plans/id6776530099/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.2K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 36.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#148** | — |
| Size | 143 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nova Network Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1642834732) | [Sarah Smolen](https://appshunter.io/developer/6776530101) |

## What reviewers say

### NOVA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-the-creative-network/id1642834730)

**Currently charting:** #148 Top Grossing · Social Networking (US App Store)

This platform connects creative professionals with clients seeking talent. Artists can build networks, showcase work, and find job opportunities. Clients gain direct access to vetted freelance creative talent.

**Highlights:** Network building for artists, Portfolio display for creatives, Access to job opportunities, Direct client access to talent, Application-based community, Community guidelines enforcement

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Nova Pro (Monthly) | $12.99 | per month |
| Nova Pro (Yearly) | $99.99 | per year |
| Nova Pro (Day Pass) | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💫 Best apps for creatives hands down!
- 🌟 Game changing for creatives
- 🎨 Wonderful!
- 🤝 Probably the best way for creatives to connect
- 🎨 Excellent Platform

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤷‍♀️ No support
- 🤦‍♂️ Not looking out for the little guy
- 🔒 Can't get in
- 🤯 Ummm
- 🐛 App Crashes Too Often

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes
- Freezing
- Buggy application process

**Requested features**

- Web Access
- Saved filter settings
- Notifications
- Profile customization


### barnacle plans

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barnacle-plans/id6776530099)

Easily create and share your plans with friends, controlling who can see them and how many people can join. Streamline group hangouts by eliminating long planning threads and multiple chat groups.

**Highlights:** Create and share plans, Control visibility and group size, Import existing plans, See friends' plans, Simplify group hangouts

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NOVA free?

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

### Is barnacle plans free?

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

### Which has better reviews, NOVA or barnacle plans?

barnacle plans is rated higher. NOVA averages 4.3 out of 5 from 1.2K ratings, while barnacle plans averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do NOVA or barnacle plans have ads?

Neither NOVA nor barnacle plans shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NOVA or barnacle plans?

NOVA ships an update every 3 weeks, and barnacle plans every 2 weeks. Most recently, NOVA was updated on October 15, 2026 and barnacle plans on October 6, 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.*