# STX vs Gloss

The clearest difference is rating: Gloss at 4.6 against STX's 2.0. Gloss also leads on update cadence (every 10 days vs every 5 months) and review sentiment (53% vs 25%). STX's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.4). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Gloss sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. STX asks for nothing beyond the download.

Gloss holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Gloss has 623 ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 25% of STX's written reviews are positive against 53% of Gloss's.

STX ships an update every 5 months, Gloss every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | STX | Gloss |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.0 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stx/id345667703/reviews) | **[4.6 (623 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gloss-save-formulas-and-clients/id1212498579/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 9 | **623** |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | **52.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | **Paid** | Subscription |
| Size | 4 MB | 62 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Salon Transcripts, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/345667706) | [Rentroom Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1844911345) |

## What reviewers say

### STX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stx/id345667703)

This mobile app extends the functionality of a purchased desktop installation, allowing users to manage appointments, view guest information, and access service history on the go. It connects seamlessly to the desktop application to enhance team efficiency and profitability.

**Highlights:** View booked appointments, Graphical appointment book, View financial transactions, Edit and add appointments, Edit guest information, Add guest pictures, Guest check-in notifications

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Gloss

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gloss-save-formulas-and-clients/id1212498579)

This app helps hair colorists and stylists manage client information and save hair color formulas. It allows for easy client import, photo capture, and communication, streamlining salon operations for professionals.

**Highlights:** Save color formulas, Manage client details, Import/add clients, Snap appointment photos, Track client charges, Contact clients, Set birthday reminders

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gloss | $3.99 | per month |
| Gloss | $35.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Data restoration
- 👍 Great customer service
- 💡 Useful for hairstylists and nail techs
- 🚀 Efficient app
- 👍 Easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Lost data and formulas
- 🐛 Glitchy updates
- 🐛 Freezing and crashing issues
- 🐛 Compatibility issues
- 💰 Subscription-based model

**Reported bugs**

- Incorrect date and time stamps after updates
- Inability to access client data and formulas after updates
- Login and account access issues
- Syncing and data loss problems

**Requested features**

- Ability to edit client names and delete clients
- Improved note formatting and display
- Ability to print or export formulas
- Support for multiple currencies
- Android app version


## Frequently asked questions

### Is STX free?

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

### Is Gloss free?

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

### Which has better reviews, STX or Gloss?

Gloss is rated higher. STX averages 2.0 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Gloss averages 4.6 from 623 ratings.

### Do STX or Gloss have ads?

Neither STX nor Gloss shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, STX or Gloss?

STX ships an update every 5 months, and Gloss every 10 days. Most recently, STX was updated on October 21, 2026 and Gloss on October 26, 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.*