# Ballistic vs Measuring Tape

The clearest difference is price: Ballistic at Free against Measuring Tape's $1.99. Ballistic also leads on review sentiment (48% vs 12%) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 5 months). Measuring Tape's advantage is rating (4.0 vs 1.2) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Ballistic is free to download; Measuring Tape costs $1.99 up front. Ballistic sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Measuring Tape asks for nothing beyond the download.

Measuring Tape holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 1.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 96 and 401 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 48% of Ballistic's written reviews are positive against 12% of Measuring Tape's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Ballistic ships an update every 6 weeks, Measuring Tape every 5 months. Both last shipped on November 10, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ballistic | Measuring Tape |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| Rating | [1.2 (96 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ballistic-advanced-edition/id303254296/reviews) | **[4.0 (401 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/measuring-tape/id547095145/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 96 | **401** |
| Positive reviews | **47.7% of reviews** | 11.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 24 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15 | **9.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Federal Premium Ammunition](https://appshunter.io/developer/980894735) | [Boris Kalinin](https://appshunter.io/developer/400047582) |

## What reviewers say

### Ballistic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ballistic-advanced-edition/id303254296)

This app provides advanced ballistics calculations with a modernized interface for shooters. It offers enhanced data visualization and a unified HUD/DOPE chart experience for quicker access to critical shooting data. Optimized for both novice and experienced users, it streamlines navigation and personalization.

**Highlights:** Modernized user interface, Enhanced data visualization, Unified HUD & DOPE chart, Streamlined navigation, Personalized experience, Rifle and load management

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Kestrel LiNK | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate ballistics calculations
- 👍 Comprehensive features
- 💡 Customizable settings
- 🔒 Secure data storage
- 🎯 Helpful for long-range shooting

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes when adding targets
- 🔍 Outdated bullet/load data
- 🤔 Confusing wind input configuration
- 🤯 Restricted to G1 drag model only
- 🤫 Data mining concerns

**Reported bugs**

- Windage values change unexpectedly when adjusting max range
- Favorites and target data being lost or inaccessible
- App crashing when trying to use certain features

**Requested features**

- Add support for newer calibers and loads
- Improve user interface and navigation
- Implement better data syncing and backup options
- Provide more detailed instructions and tutorials
- Add support for metric units


### Measuring Tape

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/measuring-tape/id547095145)

Measure the shortest air distance between two points using GPS with high accuracy. Track your progress like a physical tape measure, with distances shown in multiple units. Ideal for outdoor measurements of land, properties, and sports fields.

**Highlights:** GPS-based distance measurement, Measures air distance, Maximum available accuracy, Distances in yards, meters, kilometers, miles, Continuous distance counters, Direction arrow to starting point

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Works well
- ⭐ Excellent for shooting sports
- ⭐ Quick way to get distance measurements

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Doesn't work on newer iPhones
- 🚫 Reset button not visible or accessible
- 🚫 Inaccurate measurements
- 🚫 App crashes or doesn't open

**Reported bugs**

- Reset button not visible or accessible
- App crashes or doesn't open
- Measurements are inaccurate or inconsistent

**Requested features**

- Add option to choose true north or magnetic north
- Provide more measurement options (bearing, heading, etc.)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ballistic free?

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

### Is Measuring Tape free?

Measuring Tape costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Ballistic or Measuring Tape?

Measuring Tape is rated higher. Ballistic averages 1.2 out of 5 from 96 ratings, while Measuring Tape averages 4.0 from 401 ratings.

### Do Ballistic or Measuring Tape have ads?

Neither Ballistic nor Measuring Tape shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Ballistic or Measuring Tape?

Ballistic ships an update every 6 weeks, and Measuring Tape every 5 months. Most recently, Ballistic was updated on November 10, 2026 and Measuring Tape on November 10, 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.*