# iDotMatrix vs Ink Show

The clearest difference is rating: iDotMatrix at 2.8 against Ink Show's 2.4. iDotMatrix also leads on ratings volume (85 vs 28). Ink Show's advantage is review sentiment (43% vs 34%). On price, update cadence, ads 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.

iDotMatrix holds the better App Store score, 2.8 against 2.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 85 and 28 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 34% of iDotMatrix's written reviews are positive against 43% of Ink Show's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iDotMatrix | Ink Show |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.8 (85 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idotmatrix/id1662746768/reviews)** | [2.4 (28 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ink-show/id6473664105/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **85** | 28 |
| Positive reviews | 33.6% of reviews | **43.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 82 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Shenzhen Heaton Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1076063818) | [Shenzhen Tulianyun Technology Co., Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1722035703) |

## What reviewers say

### iDotMatrix

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idotmatrix/id1662746768)

Design custom images and animations for dot matrix screens. Create GIFs, DIY pictures, and import videos. Set alarms, lighting effects, reminders, and display music rhythms.

**Highlights:** Design dot matrix pictures, Create GIF animations, DIY custom images, Import videos for display, Set alarms and reminders, Display music rhythms, Scoreboard and stopwatch functions

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Affordable pixel display
- 👍 Customizable animations and designs
- 🎨 Variety of preset content
- 👍 Easy to use app interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches after updates
- 🔧 Limited color and editing options in the app
- 🔍 Lack of search functionality in the content library
- 🕰️ Inconsistent or limited clock/time display features

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on startup after updates
- Issues with connecting the device to the app
- Problems with saving and loading custom designs
- Energy saving mode not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Add more color options, including darker shades
- Implement a search tool in the content library
- Allow more customization of the clock and time display
- Improve animation import and playback features
- Add support for importing GIFs and videos directly


### Ink Show

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ink-show/id6473664105)

This app allows you to wirelessly cast your pictures from your phone directly onto a compatible phone case. Transform your device's exterior into a dynamic display for your favorite photos.

**Highlights:** Cast pictures to phone case, Wireless photo display, Personalize phone exterior, Dynamic image projection

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 💡 Good concept
- ✨ Works well (for some)
- 🎨 Great for customization
- 🚀 Effortless customization

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App not working
- 🐛 Photos not updating
- 🐛 Image quality decreased
- 🐛 Grainy/pixelated photos
- 🐛 App stopped working

**Reported bugs**

- App not working
- Photos not updating
- Image quality decreased
- Grainy/pixelated photos
- App stopped working

**Requested features**

- Update app regularly
- Improve image quality
- Add auto-resizing
- Add snap to grid function
- Add option to save work


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iDotMatrix free?

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

### Is Ink Show free?

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

### Which has better reviews, iDotMatrix or Ink Show?

iDotMatrix is rated higher. iDotMatrix averages 2.8 out of 5 from 85 ratings, while Ink Show averages 2.4 from 28 ratings.

### Do iDotMatrix or Ink Show have ads?

Neither iDotMatrix nor Ink Show shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iDotMatrix or Ink Show?

iDotMatrix ships an update every 2 weeks, and Ink Show every 2 weeks. Most recently, iDotMatrix was updated on October 22, 2026 and Ink Show on October 15, 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.*