# FDNY vs Spark

The clearest difference is price: Spark at Free against FDNY's $7.99. Spark also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.2) and ratings volume (7.5K vs 84). FDNY's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 5 weeks). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Spark is free to download; FDNY costs $7.99 up front. Spark sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. FDNY asks for nothing beyond the download.

Spark holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Spark has 7.5K ratings behind it against 84, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 61% of FDNY's written reviews are positive against 75% of Spark's.

FDNY ships an update every 9 days, Spark every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on October 14, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | FDNY | Spark |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $7.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.2 (84 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fdny/id328401678/reviews) | **[4.8 (7.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spark-shift-calendar/id390915382/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 84 | **7.5K** |
| Positive reviews | 60.9% of reviews | **74.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 8 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Buddy System, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/295810928) | [E.L.K. Equities LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1775442602) |

## What reviewers say

### FDNY

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fdny/id328401678)

This app simplifies managing your work schedule, including mutuals, vacations, and paydays. It also provides a directory of firehouses with map and contact information. Track overtime and special events with ease.

**Highlights:** Six-year schedule display, Mutual partner tracking, Banked mutual recording, Firehouse directory with maps, Overtime and pay tracking, Event logging, Retirement countdown

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for FDNY chart
- 👍 Useful for schedule tracking
- 👍 Good for OT and mutuals
- 👍 Firehouse locator helpful
- 👍 Syncs with iCal

**What reviewers complain about**

- 👎 New version complicated
- 👎 Older version preferred
- 👎 Not user-friendly
- 👎 Cluttered interface
- 👎 Difficult to navigate

**Reported bugs**

- Overtime hours not adding up
- Events not saving on calendar
- App crashes regularly
- All data lost
- New version unusable

**Requested features**

- Comprehensive user guide
- Tutorial video
- iCloud syncing
- Native iPad support
- ABCD chart for modified schedule


### Spark

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spark-shift-calendar/id390915382)

This app simplifies shift work for professionals like first responders and healthcare workers. It offers full customization, secure cloud syncing, and streamlined shift trading. Plan your life and stay organized with instant visual cues and reliable support.

**Highlights:** Full shift customization, Secure cloud sync, Streamlined shift trades, Instant visual cues, Comprehensive shift coverage, User-friendly interface

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual Subscription Renewal | $0.99 | one-time |
| Initial Annual Subscription | $5.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent calendar app
- 👍 Easy to use and set up
- 🔒 Secure and reliable
- 💡 Customizable and feature-rich
- 👍 Great for shift work and emergency services

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 💰 Subscription model and pricing issues
- 🔧 Needs more frequent updates
- 🔧 Compatibility issues with newer devices
- 🔧 Lack of certain features (e.g., widgets, dark mode)

**Reported bugs**

- Login and authentication problems
- Data loss and sync issues after updates
- Unreliable performance on some devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to sync with more calendar services
- More customization options
- Improved user interface and design
- Ability to view past schedules and events


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FDNY free?

FDNY costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Spark free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FDNY or Spark?

Spark is rated higher. FDNY averages 3.2 out of 5 from 84 ratings, while Spark averages 4.8 from 7.5K ratings.

### Do FDNY or Spark have ads?

Neither FDNY nor Spark shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FDNY or Spark?

FDNY ships an update every 9 days, and Spark every 5 weeks. Most recently, FDNY was updated on October 14, 2026 and Spark on October 14, 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.*