# iBeams vs CRSI Rebar Reference

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: iBeams at none against CRSI Rebar Reference's 3. iBeams also leads on review sentiment (53% vs 33%) and rating (3.5 vs 3.3). CRSI Rebar Reference's advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 17 months) and ratings volume (16 vs 2). On price, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CRSI Rebar Reference sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. iBeams asks for nothing beyond the download.

iBeams holds the better App Store score, 3.5 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CRSI Rebar Reference has 16 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of iBeams's written reviews are positive against 33% of CRSI Rebar Reference's.

iBeams ships an update every 17 months, CRSI Rebar Reference every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iBeams | CRSI Rebar Reference |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibeams/id398882202/reviews)** | [3.3 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crsi-rebar-reference/id1423271565/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **16** |
| Positive reviews | **53.3% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 17 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 5 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Norm Schuster](https://appshunter.io/developer/398882205) | [Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute](https://appshunter.io/developer/1423271564) |

## What reviewers say

### iBeams

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibeams/id398882202)

This tool helps structural engineers visualize and analyze beam behavior. It displays reaction, shear, moment, and deflection diagrams for various configurations. Users can edit load and geometric values for custom analysis.

**Highlights:** Beam and load configuration display, Reaction, shear, moment, deflection diagrams, Editable load values, Editable geometric values, Structural engineering analysis

**In-app purchases:** none


### CRSI Rebar Reference

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crsi-rebar-reference/id1423271565)

Access essential data for reinforcing bars (rebar) including specifications, hook details, and marking requirements. This app serves as a quick reference for industry standards and links to online resources.

**Highlights:** ASTM standard reinforcing bar specifications, Standard hook details (90, 135, 180 degrees), Stirrup/tie hook details, ASTM reinforcing bar marking requirements, Minimum yield and tensile requirements, Links to CRSI online resources

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CRSI - Rebar Identifier Module | $2.99 | one-time |
| CRSI Development Length ACI | $4.99 | one-time |
| CRSI Development length AASHTO | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iBeams free?

iBeams is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is CRSI Rebar Reference free?

CRSI Rebar Reference is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, iBeams or CRSI Rebar Reference?

iBeams is rated higher. iBeams averages 3.5 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while CRSI Rebar Reference averages 3.3 from 16 ratings.

### Do iBeams or CRSI Rebar Reference have ads?

Neither iBeams nor CRSI Rebar Reference shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iBeams or CRSI Rebar Reference?

iBeams ships an update every 17 months, and CRSI Rebar Reference every 5 weeks. Most recently, iBeams was updated on October 5, 2026 and CRSI Rebar Reference on October 21, 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.*