# Universalis vs HandySpring

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Universalis at 95% against HandySpring's 0%. Universalis also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and chart position (#4 vs unranked). HandySpring's advantage is price (Free vs $9.99) and in-app purchases (none vs 11). On ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

HandySpring is free to download; Universalis costs $9.99 up front. Universalis sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. HandySpring asks for nothing beyond the download.

Universalis ships an update every 3 weeks, HandySpring every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Universalis | HandySpring |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $9.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.9 (9.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universalis/id284942719/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **9.6K** | — |
| Positive reviews | **94.7% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#4** | — |
| Size | 78 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Universalis Publishing](https://appshunter.io/developer/284942722) | [New York Standard Watch Company, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/828885617) |

## What reviewers say

### Universalis

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universalis/id284942719)

**Currently charting:** #4 Top Paid · Lifestyle, #108 Top Paid (US App Store)

This app provides the Liturgy of the Hours and Mass readings for every day, along with additional spiritual content. It offers offline access, customizable display options, and optional spoken audio. It's designed for daily prayer and spiritual enrichment.

**Highlights:** Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office), Daily Mass readings and prayers, Offline access, Customizable display (fonts, themes), Spiritual reading and commentaries, Optional spoken audio add-on

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Daily Mass Readings | $1.99 | per month |
| Daytime Hours | $2.99 | per month |
| All Hours | $2.99 | per month |
| Daily Mass Readings | $19.99 | per year |
| Daytime Hours | $29.99 | per year |
| All Hours | $29.99 | per year |
| Add-on translation: RSV Hours | $1.99 | one-time |
| Sung Latin Compline | $3.99 | one-time |
| Revelations of Divine Love | $5.99 | one-time |
| Journey into Light | $5.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🙏 Wonderful Catholic app
- 🙌 Great app for Catholic devotions
- 📚 This is a wonderful app for the laity
- 🙏 Excellent resource for Mass and Liturgy of the Hours
- 🌟 Comprehensive and easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤔 Hymns selection could be improved
- 🤔 Navigation can be confusing
- 🤔 Kenyan version text does not match book
- 🤔 Difficult to navigate, missing menu buttons

**Reported bugs**

- Gospel readings sometimes incorrect
- App crashes when trying to change hymns or readings

**Requested features**

- Add Salesian saints and young saints
- Include NAB translation for US users
- Add option for 1962 liturgical calendar
- Improve hymn selection, especially for seasons
- Implement more inclusive language in prayers


### HandySpring

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handyspring/id1621154573)

This app works with a smart water bottle to remind you to drink water. It helps you stay hydrated throughout the day by tracking your intake and sending timely notifications.

**Highlights:** Drink water reminders, Hydration tracking, Smart bottle pairing, Daily intake monitoring, Personalized hydration goals

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Universalis free?

Universalis costs $9.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is HandySpring free?

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

### Do Universalis or HandySpring have ads?

Neither Universalis nor HandySpring shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Universalis or HandySpring?

Universalis ships an update every 3 weeks, and HandySpring every 3 months. Most recently, Universalis was updated on October 15, 2026 and HandySpring on October 7, 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.*