# Dynamic X vs Shelf

The clearest difference is rating: Shelf at 4.5 against Dynamic X's 3.8. Shelf also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 days vs every 9 months). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Dynamic X sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Shelf sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Shelf holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 59 and 280 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 32% of Dynamic X's written reviews are positive against 58% of Shelf's.

Dynamic X ships an update every 9 months, Shelf every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Dynamic X | Shelf |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (59 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dynamic-x-dynamic-island-tool/id1661398454/reviews) | **[4.5 (280 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shelf-create-live-activities/id6443596253/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 59 | **280** |
| Positive reviews | 32.1% of reviews | **57.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 28 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.1 | 16.1 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [永刚 陈](https://appshunter.io/developer/1289220847) | [Michael Tigas](https://appshunter.io/developer/1364337001) |

## What reviewers say

### Dynamic X

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dynamic-x-dynamic-island-tool/id1661398454)

This app provides real-time system information directly on your device's Dynamic Island and Live Activities. Monitor network speeds, memory usage, processor activity, and date/time details with customizable widgets.

**Highlights:** Network speed monitoring, Memory usage statistics, Processor utilization, Real-time date and time, Dynamic Island integration, Live Activity support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PREMIUM | $0.99 | per month |
| PREMIUM | $6.99 | per year |
| PREMIUM | $14.99 | one-time |


### Shelf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shelf-create-live-activities/id6443596253)

Pin photos, text, or app shortcuts to your iPhone's Lock Screen and Dynamic Island. Customize the appearance with themes, colors, and fonts. Access content with a tap or use Siri and App Shortcuts for automatic launching.

**Highlights:** Pin photos, text, and app shortcuts, Dynamic Island and Home Screen support, Customizable themes, colors, and fonts, Always-on display integration, App Shortcuts and Siri integration, Quick access with a tap

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shelf Pro - Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Shelf Pro - Yearly | $12.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Dynamic X free?

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

### Is Shelf free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Dynamic X or Shelf?

Shelf is rated higher. Dynamic X averages 3.8 out of 5 from 59 ratings, while Shelf averages 4.5 from 280 ratings.

### Do Dynamic X or Shelf have ads?

Dynamic X shows ads; Shelf does not.

### Which is updated more often, Dynamic X or Shelf?

Dynamic X ships an update every 9 months, and Shelf every 2 days. Most recently, Dynamic X was updated on September 23, 2026 and Shelf 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.*