Comparison

HanDBase for iPad vs Collections Database

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

HanDBase for iPad

Manage and create relational databases directly on your iPad. Track diverse information from shopping lists to complex CRM data with features like field-level encryption and customizable views. An optional forms designer is available.

Highlights
  • Create and edit databases on iPad
  • 19 different field types
  • Relational database linking
  • Sorting, filtering, and custom views
  • Field-level encryption
  • Optional Forms Designer (IAP)
  • Desktop Connect for import/export
Features
Read full description

Powerful relational database manager now available for the iPad! Please Note: This version is optimized for the iPad, if you have an iPhone, there is a separate version available in the App Store. Track almost anything. Examples: Shopping Lists,DVD Collections,Passwords,Prayer Lists,To Dos,Workouts,Recipes,Checkbook,Weight Loss,Auto Mileage Inventory,Surveys,Directories,Time/Billing CRM,Deliveries,Estimates Patient Lists,Billing Codes,Charge Capture * Create and Edit Databases right on your iPad * 19 different field types * Relational- link between different database tables * Sorting,Filtering, and Customized Views * Field level Encryption * Optional Forms Designer available via In-App Purchase * Desktop Connect- connect via web browser and load/save databases, import/export * Databases emailed to you can be opened from the mail program and synced right into HanDBase * Backup and Install databases directly from the iTunes cabled interface. * Integration w/ HanDBase Gallery-download over 2000 templates * Support for photos, GPS/Maps, and barcode scanning via camera equipped devices We are a world leader in the mobile database space and have compatible solutions (sold separately) for desktops, synchronization to programs like Microsoft Access, SQL Server, Filemaker, and most ODBC enabled apps. See our web site for more details and options: http://www.ddhsoftware.com/iPad Please Note: The HanDBase database format does not support Unicode, so while English and most European languages are supported, other languages are not.

About

Collections Database

Organize anything with a personal database app. It offers over 20 field types, customizable layouts, and pre-built templates for common uses like books or expenses. Advanced features and iCloud sync are available.

Highlights
  • 20+ field types (text, number, picture, barcode, etc.)
  • Customizable fields and display styles
  • Pre-built templates (books, contacts, expenses, etc.)
  • Organize with collections and subcollections
  • Password, Face ID, and Touch ID protection
  • iCloud synchronization across devices
  • Advanced fields and calculations (Pro version)
Features
Read full description

Collections is a personal database app to organize anything. 1. A field for every use Collections supports over 20+ field types: • Text, Number • Boolean • Picture • Select • Email, URL, Phone • Password • Date, Time • Color • Barcode And with the Pro version you can use even more advanced fields. • Document reference - Link documents together • Group - Add multiple values for a field • Formula - Create a formula for calculated values. Powerful formula editor with full support to math functions like SUM, AVG • Sources - Import documents from external APIs with Javascript 2. Customizable • Add and reorder fields • Add a separator between fields to better visualize them • Fields have different display styles like primary, secondary, thumbnail • Filter and sort data 3. Templates Collections includes basic templates to get started: • Books • Contacts • Expenses • Subscriptions • Credentials • Inventory • School 5. Advanced management Collections has different tools to help you creating the data model. SUBCOLLECTIONS Organize data into collections and subcollections. Simply said, they are like folders. LISTS A list contains items used in documents and it's very flexible. It could represent a Genre for a book or a Status like 'Available', 'Out of stock' for an object in the inventory. 6. Security • Protect collections using a password, Face ID or Touch ID • Sensitive data such as passwords are encrypted by default 7. iCloud Sync Data is synced automatically between devices through iCloud. 8. Apple's Shortcuts support Expand the app capabilities with Apple's Shortcuts support. 9. Pro version features • Add unlimited documents (free version is limited to 100 documents) • Add files to documents • Add advanced fields • Views • Grid • Use Summary to perform calculations across documents

Screenshots

Collections Database4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Collections Database at Free against HanDBase for iPad's $9.99. Collections Database also leads on rating (4.6 vs 2.8) and review sentiment (87% vs 50%). HanDBase for iPad's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On in-app purchases and monetization model 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Collections Database is free to download; HanDBase for iPad costs $9.99 up front. HanDBase for iPad sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Collections Database sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Collections Database holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Collections Database has 187 ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of HanDBase for iPad's written reviews are positive against 87% of Collections Database's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

HanDBase for iPad ships an update every 2 months, Collections Database fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 2 level
HanDBase for iPad versus Collections Database: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHanDBase for iPadCollections Database
Price$9.99Free — better
Rating2.8 (16 ratings)4.6 (187 ratings) — better
Positive reviews50.2% of reviews87.1% of reviews — better
Number of ratings16187 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB25 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDDH Software, LLCMatteo D'Ignazio

Customer experience

HanDBase for iPad

All ratings16 ratings
Positive31.3%
Neutral25.0%
Negative43.8%
Written reviews235 reviews
Positive50.2%
Neutral10.6%
Negative39.1%

Collections Database

All ratings187 ratings
Positive90.9%
Neutral3.2%
Negative5.9%
Written reviews317 reviews
Positive87.1%
Neutral5.4%
Negative7.6%

User reviews

HanDBase for iPad

From 16 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Powerful and flexible database app
  • 👍 Easy to create and customize databases
  • 💡 Ability to link databases and create relationships
  • 👍 Good customer support and responsive developers
  • 🚀 Seamless sync between iPad, iPhone, and desktop

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability issues
  • 🔧 Clunky and outdated user interface
  • 🔧 Limited customization options for forms and views
  • 🔧 Difficult to backup and sync data without a desktop app
  • 🔧 Lack of cloud sync and integration with popular services

Collections Database

From 187 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Flexible and customizable
  • 🚀 Powerful and feature-rich
  • 💡 Excellent integration with Apple ecosystem
  • 🔒 Secure and private data storage
  • 💰 Good value for money

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional crashes and sync issues
  • 📚 Lacking comprehensive documentation
  • 🔍 Limited search and filtering capabilities
  • 🔀 Difficulty moving/copying data between collections

Bugs and requests

HanDBase for iPad

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Crashes when rotating iPad or editing forms
  • Inability to edit existing records without losing data
  • Inconsistent behavior when syncing data between devices
  • Limitations with date fields and handling of pre-1904 dates

Requested features

5 requests
  • Improved cloud sync and integration with services like Dropbox
  • More customization options for forms, views, and data presentation
  • Better support for right-to-left languages
  • Barcode scanning and integration capabilities
  • Improved stability and fewer crashes

Collections Database

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Keyboard issues when using search
  • Inconsistent behavior between iOS and macOS versions

Requested features

4 requests
  • Collaborative features for sharing databases
  • More advanced reporting and visualization options
  • Improved import/export functionality
  • Ability to customize the appearance and layout

In-app purchases

1 purchases

HanDBase for iPad

One-time1
  • HanDBase Forms Designer for iPad$4.99
3 purchases

Collections Database

One-time3
  • Collections Ultra (Upgrade)$1.99
  • Collections Pro$7.99
  • Collections Ultra$9.99

Questions

Is HanDBase for iPad free?
HanDBase for iPad costs $9.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Collections Database free?
Collections Database is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, HanDBase for iPad or Collections Database?
Collections Database is rated higher. HanDBase for iPad averages 2.8 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Collections Database averages 4.6 from 187 ratings.
Do HanDBase for iPad or Collections Database have ads?
HanDBase for iPad shows ads; Collections Database does not.
Which is updated more often, HanDBase for iPad or Collections Database?
HanDBase for iPad ships an update every 2 months, and Collections Database fortnightly. Most recently, HanDBase for iPad was updated on September 28, 2026 and Collections Database on October 1, 2026.

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