# Spark vs Work Cycle

The clearest difference is price: Spark at Free against Work Cycle's $3.99. Spark also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). Work Cycle's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (daily vs every 5 weeks). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Spark is free to download; Work Cycle costs $3.99 up front. Spark sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Work Cycle asks for nothing beyond the download.

Spark ships an update every 5 weeks, Work Cycle daily. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and September 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Spark | Work Cycle |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $3.99 |
| Rating | **[4.8 (7.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spark-shift-calendar/id390915382/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **7.5K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 74.8% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 10 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [E.L.K. Equities LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1775442602) | [Theo Battello](https://appshunter.io/developer/1510259066) |

## What reviewers say

### Spark

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spark-shift-calendar/id390915382)

This app simplifies shift work for professionals like first responders and healthcare workers. It offers full customization, secure cloud syncing, and streamlined shift trading. Plan your life and stay organized with instant visual cues and reliable support.

**Highlights:** Full shift customization, Secure cloud sync, Streamlined shift trades, Instant visual cues, Comprehensive shift coverage, User-friendly interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual Subscription Renewal | $0.99 | one-time |
| Initial Annual Subscription | $5.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent calendar app
- 👍 Easy to use and set up
- 🔒 Secure and reliable
- 💡 Customizable and feature-rich
- 👍 Great for shift work and emergency services

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 💰 Subscription model and pricing issues
- 🔧 Needs more frequent updates
- 🔧 Compatibility issues with newer devices
- 🔧 Lack of certain features (e.g., widgets, dark mode)

**Reported bugs**

- Login and authentication problems
- Data loss and sync issues after updates
- Unreliable performance on some devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to sync with more calendar services
- More customization options
- Improved user interface and design
- Ability to view past schedules and events


### Work Cycle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/work-cycle/id6748954658)

Easily visualize and manage your irregular work schedule with a personalized calendar. Designed for shift workers, this app helps you plan rotations, track rest days, and add personal notes for better work-life balance.

**Highlights:** Visual monthly calendar for work cycles, iCloud synchronization across Apple devices, Flexible configuration for any cycle type, Customizable colors for shift types, Add personal notes to days, Manage vacations and exceptions, Plan weeks in advance

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Spark free?

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

### Is Work Cycle free?

Work Cycle costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Spark or Work Cycle have ads?

Neither Spark nor Work Cycle shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Spark or Work Cycle?

Spark ships an update every 5 weeks, and Work Cycle daily. Most recently, Spark was updated on October 14, 2026 and Work Cycle on September 7, 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.*