Ballistic vs Real Dots
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Ballistic
This advanced ballistics calculator provides precise trajectory calculations for serious shooters. It accounts for atmospheric conditions, Coriolis effect, and gyroscopic spin, offering a comprehensive tool for hunting and range practice with extensive projectile data and a rangefinder.
- Advanced ballistics calculations
- Atmospheric condition adjustments
- Coriolis effect and gyroscopic spin
- Extensive projectile and load library
- Rangefinder and range log
- Heads-up display
- 3D trajectory imaging
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Features & Functionality Modernized User Interface • Clean, contemporary design • Improved visual hierarchy • Faster access to critical shooting data • More intuitive navigation and setup process • Optimized for both novice and experienced shooters Enhanced Data Visualization • Improved readability of charts and shot data • Cleaner presentation of trajectory information • Better organization of environmental and ballistic inputs • Easier interpretation under field conditions Unified HUD & DOPE Chart Experience • HUD Screen and DOPE Chart combined into a single interactive workspace • Real-time trajectory information displayed alongside adjustment data • Environmental updates, elevation, and wind corrections available in one location • Reduced need to toggle between screens Streamlined Navigation • Consolidated data screens • Reduced taps to access critical information • Faster profile management • Improved organization of rifles, loads, and favorites More Personalized Experience • Easier access to saved rifle profiles • Improved load management • Favorites-based menus • Faster retrieval of frequently used configurations
Real Dots
Visualize popular red dot sights on your camera feed, scaled to their actual dimensions. Compare different models, check window and housing sizes, and preview finishes before making a purchase. Unlock advanced features for an enhanced viewing experience.
- Live camera overlay of red dot sights
- Scaled to published housing and window sizes
- Catalog of open and enclosed sights
- Preview Black and FDE finishes
- Compare two sights side-by-side (Pro)
- Ad-free use (Pro)
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Real Dots is a pistol and rifle red dot (reflex) sight viewer. Explore red dot and reflex optics in true 1:1 scale, then compare window dimensions, housings, and reticle specs. Open a model on your camera and preview the housing shape, window size, and reticle at approximate real size. Switch between green or red dots and MOA options where the model offers them, and compare two sights side by side. Each sight is built from manufacturer photos when a clean view is available, then scaled from published housing and window dimensions. It is a comparison and preview tool. Confirm final details with the manufacturer. Brands in the catalog include Aimpoint, Burris, Bushnell, Cyelee Optics, EOTech, Gideon Optics, Holosun, MECANIK, Meprolight, Osight, Primary Arms, Ruger, Shield Sights, SIG Sauer, Steiner Optics, Swampfox, Trijicon, Vector Optics, Viridian, and Vortex. The catalog can grow with app updates. Free: browse the catalog, preview red dot and reflex sights on your camera, and use optional ads. Pro is a one-time unlock on Google Play. There is no subscription and no renewal. Pro removes ads and unlocks side-by-side Compare, screen calibration, and the full set of reticle options. Real Dots is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any optic brand listed above. Privacy Policy: https://www.realdots.app/privacy Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Contact: admin@realdots.app
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Real Dots at 100% against Ballistic's 49%. Real Dots also leads on rating (5.0 vs 1.1) and update cadence (every 2 days vs every 3 months). Ballistic's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (81 vs 3). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Ballistic sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Real Dots sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Real Dots holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Ballistic has 81 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 49% of Ballistic's written reviews are positive against 100% of Real Dots's.
Ballistic ships an update every 3 months, Real Dots every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Ballistic | Real Dots |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 1.1 (81 ratings) | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 48.8% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 81 — better | 3 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 2 days — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15 | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 24 MB | 38 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Federal Premium Ammunition | Ron Greenbaum |
Customer experience
Ballistic
Real Dots
Bugs and requests
Ballistic
Reported bugs
3 issues- 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
6 requests- 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
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- Integrate with external devices (e.g., Kestrel)
Real Dots
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Ballistic
- Kestrel LiNK$9.99
Real Dots
- Lifetime Pro$3.99
- Real Dots Pro Lifetime$3.99









