# HanDBase for iPad vs Collections Database

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | HanDBase for iPad | Collections Database |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $9.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [2.8 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handbase-for-ipad/id368257427/reviews) | **[4.6 (187 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/collections-database/id1568395334/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 16 | **187** |
| Positive reviews | 50.2% of reviews | **87.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 23 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [DDH Software, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/293419671) | [Matteo D'Ignazio](https://appshunter.io/developer/634863524) |

## What reviewers say

### HanDBase for iPad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handbase-for-ipad/id368257427)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HanDBase Forms Designer for iPad | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 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

**Reported bugs**

- 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**

- 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

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/collections-database/id1568395334)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Collections Ultra (Upgrade) | $1.99 | one-time |
| Collections Pro | $7.99 | one-time |
| Collections Ultra | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

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


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*