Comparison

HanDBase for iPad vs Formbook

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

Formbook

This app allows you to create structured notes that function like database forms, saving you time and providing instant chart statistics. It supports collaboration, cross-device synchronization, and AI-powered form building with numerous field types.

Highlights
  • Form-based note creation
  • Instant chart statistics
  • Notebook sharing for collaboration
  • AI-powered automated form builder
  • 30+ form field types
  • Cross-device synchronization
  • Export to PDF and CSV
Read full description

Formbook: the revolutionary personal database app. Formbook is a new generation database app in which you create form based notes to easily store information. Formbook is the perfect app for structured information note taking. With Formbook, notes behave like database forms: create a notebook and define the fields you need to store your information. Form based notes have amazing benefits: - Gain a huge amount of time while taking notes as you just need to fill in form fields. - Instantly obtain chart stats on the data contained in your notebooks. - Share notebooks for collaboration with other Formbook users. Here are some usage examples. Create notebooks to: - Keep track of your progress in sport training. - Remember your favorite restaurants in places you visit. - Store your recipes. - Follow to do tasks. - Prepare a trip by describing the places to visit. - Keep track of any object inventory (with barcode reader). Formbook comes with a powerful dashboard feature that visually displays charts on your data. Personalize your charts and analyse data in detail. Formbook is cross device: notes are automatically synchronized on your iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch via iCloud. Formbook is also available on your Apple Watch: access your notes and notebooks directly from you Apple Watch. Formbook is powered by AI: save time with the new automated form builder. Enter your notebook name and Formbook infers the database fields. Choose among 30 form field types when conceiving your notebook structure: - Short text field - Long text field - Secret text field revealed by FaceID or TouchID - Code text field (programming languages) - Number - Currency - Stepper (number) - Slider (number) - Calculation (using the data from other fields) - Yes/No button - Date and Time fields - Duration - Images and photos - List of elements (with optional checkboxes) - List of tags - Rating (with stars) - Email (with compose button) - Address (with map access) - Phone number (with compose button) - URL (with browse button) - Barcode and QR code (with scan button) - Current location (latitude, longitude, address) Export your notes as PDF file and CSV file to use the data with spreadsheet apps.

Screenshots

Formbook4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Formbook at Free against HanDBase for iPad's $9.99. Formbook also leads on rating (4.5 vs 2.8) and ads (none vs shown). HanDBase for iPad's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.6). On ratings volume, 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

Formbook is free to download; HanDBase for iPad costs $9.99 up front. HanDBase for iPad sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Formbook sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Formbook holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 16 and 26 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of HanDBase for iPad's written reviews are positive against 80% of Formbook's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

HanDBase for iPad ships an update every 2 months, Formbook every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on July 30, 2026 and August 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
HanDBase for iPad versus Formbook: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHanDBase for iPadFormbook
Price$9.99Free — better
Rating2.8 (16 ratings)4.5 (26 ratings) — better
Positive reviews50.2% of reviews80.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1626 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 4 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS13.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDDH Software, LLCMathieu Morgensztern

Customer experience

HanDBase for iPad

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

Formbook

All ratings26 ratings
Positive88.5%
Neutral11.5%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews132 reviews
Positive80.3%
Neutral14.4%
Negative5.3%

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

Formbook

From 26 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
  • 🔄 Seamless cross-device synchronization
  • 💰 One-time purchase with no subscription
  • 🎨 Clean, native Apple design aesthetic
  • 📊 Flexible field types and customization

Room to improve

  • 🔍 Limited search functionality (no field-specific search)
  • 🐛 Frequent crashes on macOS
  • ⚠️ Slow performance with large datasets
  • 📋 No table/spreadsheet view option
  • 🔐 Lack of password protection

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

Formbook

Reported bugs

12 issues
  • Crashes on macOS Ventura and newer
  • Crashes when validating fields in new notes
  • Export functionality issues with CSV and PDF
  • Barcode field scans but cannot search by barcode
  • Star rating field too sensitive to accidental changes
Show 7 more
  • Performance degradation with photos in notes
  • Text field labels not visible in note panel
  • Syncing issues between devices
  • Import duplicates data instead of updating
  • Occasional freezing and slowness
  • Watch app syncing problems
  • In-app purchase requires repurchase after updates

Requested features

30 requests
  • Field-specific search functionality
  • Advanced multi-criteria filtering
  • Table/spreadsheet view for data
  • Password/biometric app protection
  • Rich text formatting (bold, italic, colors)
Show 25 more
  • File attachment support (PDFs, documents)
  • Drag-and-drop image insertion
  • Move notes between notebooks
  • Duplicate notebook without content
  • Advanced calculated fields with date math
  • Print functionality for records and lists
  • Customizable PDF export templates
  • Folder organization for notebooks
  • Read-only mode for records
  • Barcode scanning search capability
  • Calendar integration
  • Reminder/alert field with notifications
  • Multiple image support per field
  • Keyboard shortcuts/Shortcuts app integration
  • Collaborative sharing between users
  • Template creation for notebooks
  • Undo/backup functionality
  • Batch operations (edit, delete multiple)
  • Tag autocomplete with global tag list
  • Sub-tags support
  • Column/card view options
  • Adjustable font sizes
  • Home button for quick navigation
  • Bulk import with update option
  • Android version

In-app purchases

1 purchases

HanDBase for iPad

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

Formbook

One-time2
  • Notebook sharing$3.99
  • Additional fields pack$3.99

Questions

Is HanDBase for iPad free?
HanDBase for iPad costs $9.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Formbook free?
Formbook is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, HanDBase for iPad or Formbook?
Formbook is rated higher. HanDBase for iPad averages 2.8 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Formbook averages 4.5 from 26 ratings.
Do HanDBase for iPad or Formbook have ads?
HanDBase for iPad shows ads; Formbook does not.
Which is updated more often, HanDBase for iPad or Formbook?
HanDBase for iPad ships an update every 2 months, and Formbook every 4 days. Most recently, HanDBase for iPad was updated on July 30, 2026 and Formbook on August 17, 2026.

Other comparisons