# HanDBase for iPad vs Formbook

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | HanDBase for iPad | Formbook |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $9.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [2.8 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handbase-for-ipad/id368257427/reviews) | **[4.5 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/formbook/id1570038338/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 16 | **26** |
| Positive reviews | 50.2% of reviews | **80.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 23 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [DDH Software, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/293419671) | [Mathieu Morgensztern](https://appshunter.io/developer/1439918443) |

## 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


### Formbook

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/formbook/id1570038338)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Notebook sharing | $3.99 | one-time |
| Additional fields pack | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 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

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- Field-specific search functionality
- Advanced multi-criteria filtering
- Table/spreadsheet view for data
- Password/biometric app protection
- Rich text formatting (bold, italic, colors)


## Frequently asked 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.

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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.*