# BalusterPro vs BuildCalc

The clearest difference is price: BalusterPro at $2.99 against BuildCalc's $24.99. BalusterPro also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). BuildCalc's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.2) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On review sentiment, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

BalusterPro costs $2.99 and BuildCalc $24.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

BuildCalc holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 17 and 71 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 83% of BalusterPro's written reviews are positive against 87% of BuildCalc's.

BalusterPro ships an update every 2 months, BuildCalc every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 23, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | BalusterPro | BuildCalc |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$2.99** | $24.99 |
| Rating | [4.2 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/balusterpro/id304928739/reviews) | **[4.7 (71 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buildcalc/id333369423/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 17 | **71** |
| Positive reviews | 83.1% of reviews | **87.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #184 | **#69** |
| Size | 5 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Greg Gabrio](https://appshunter.io/developer/304928742) | [42nd Parallel](https://appshunter.io/developer/333369426) |

## What reviewers say

### BalusterPro

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/balusterpro/id304928739)

**Currently charting:** #184 Top Paid · Utilities (US App Store)

This app simplifies the calculation of baluster spacing for handrails and other projects requiring equal spacing. It allows users to input dimensions and adjust the number of balusters to meet code requirements, displaying precise measurements on one screen.

**Highlights:** Calculate baluster spacing, Input handrail dimensions, Adjust balusters needed slider, View spacing between balusters, Display centers and edges, Select measurement precision (1/16, 1/32, metric, 1/64), Audio output of measurements

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Time saver for calculations
- 👍 Easy to use for baluster spacing
- ✅ Accurate results
- 🛠️ Versatile for various projects (wainscoting, beams, etc.)
- 💰 Makes money by saving time

**What reviewers complain about**

- ⚠️ Limited angle range (40 degrees)
- 🐌 App is slow
- 튕 Kicks out randomly
- 🔢 Metric input only whole numbers
- 🚫 No option to start with center baluster

**Reported bugs**

- App kicks you out randomly
- App crashes when tapping view tab
- App crashes when clicking on flat run balisters attached

**Requested features**

- Allow angles past 40 degrees
- Loosen angle tolerance
- Update the app
- Add visualization tool
- Option to start with a center baluster


### BuildCalc

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buildcalc/id333369423)

**Currently charting:** #69 Top Paid · Utilities (US App Store)

This app enhances traditional construction calculators with advanced functions for layout, material estimation, and complex calculations. It offers interactive features, customizable material sizes, and streamlined results presentation to reduce complexity and improve accuracy for professionals.

**Highlights:** Advanced baluster and stair layout, Fence post and material estimation, Interactive calculation adjustments, Customizable material sizes, Miter saw vs. protractor rafter calculations, Streamlined results display and saving

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BalusterPro free?

BalusterPro costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is BuildCalc free?

BuildCalc costs $24.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, BalusterPro or BuildCalc?

BuildCalc is rated higher. BalusterPro averages 4.2 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while BuildCalc averages 4.7 from 71 ratings.

### Do BalusterPro or BuildCalc have ads?

Neither BalusterPro nor BuildCalc shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BalusterPro or BuildCalc?

BalusterPro ships an update every 2 months, and BuildCalc every 3 weeks. Most recently, BalusterPro was updated on September 23, 2026 and BuildCalc on September 23, 2026.

### Which is more popular, BalusterPro or BuildCalc?

BalusterPro currently peaks at #184 in the App Store charts, and BuildCalc at #69. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*