# iBeams vs AutoCAD IRef

The clearest difference is review sentiment: iBeams at 53% against AutoCAD IRef's 10%. iBeams also leads on rating (3.5 vs 1.9) and device support (3 vs 1). AutoCAD IRef's advantage is ratings volume (9 vs 2) and iOS requirement (5.1 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

iBeams holds the better App Store score, 3.5 against 1.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 9 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of iBeams's written reviews are positive against 10% of AutoCAD IRef's.

iBeams ships an update every 17 months, AutoCAD IRef every 23 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iBeams | AutoCAD IRef |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibeams/id398882202/reviews)** | [1.9 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/autocad-iref/id426032009/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **9** |
| Positive reviews | **53.3% of reviews** | 10.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 17 months** | Every 23 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 5 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **5.1** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Norm Schuster](https://appshunter.io/developer/398882205) | [Digital Cheetah Solutions, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/325304068) |

## 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


### AutoCAD IRef

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/autocad-iref/id426032009)

This app serves as a comprehensive reference guide for AutoCAD 2011 commands. It provides detailed information to help users navigate and utilize the software's features effectively.

**Highlights:** AutoCAD 2011 command reference, Interactive guide, Comprehensive companion

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iBeams free?

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

### Is AutoCAD IRef free?

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

### Which has better reviews, iBeams or AutoCAD IRef?

iBeams is rated higher. iBeams averages 3.5 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while AutoCAD IRef averages 1.9 from 9 ratings.

### Do iBeams or AutoCAD IRef have ads?

Neither iBeams nor AutoCAD IRef shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iBeams or AutoCAD IRef?

iBeams ships an update every 17 months, and AutoCAD IRef every 23 months. Most recently, iBeams was updated on October 5, 2026 and AutoCAD IRef on October 23, 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.*