# iBeams vs Metal +

The clearest difference is rating: Metal + at 4.7 against iBeams's 3.5. Metal + also leads on update cadence (every 4 months vs every 17 months) and ratings volume (11 vs 2). iBeams's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Metal + sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. iBeams asks for nothing beyond the download.

Metal + holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Metal + has 11 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

iBeams ships an update every 17 months, Metal + every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iBeams | Metal + |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibeams/id398882202/reviews) | **[4.7 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metal-plus/id6446039096/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **11** |
| Positive reviews | 53.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 17 months | **Every 4 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Norm Schuster](https://appshunter.io/developer/398882205) | [Mohamed Saad](https://appshunter.io/developer/1291109619) |

## 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


### Metal +

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metal-plus/id6446039096)

Easily calculate the weight and price of various metal forms and alloys. Save your projects and access calculations offline. This tool supports multiple units and metal types for precise results.

**Highlights:** Calculate weight of round, sheet, tube, rectangle forms, Supports steel, aluminum, nickel, copper, gold, silver alloys, Calculate paint surface area, Weight converter, Price per kilogram/ton converter, Save items and projects, Offline functionality

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iBeams free?

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

### Is Metal + free?

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

### Which has better reviews, iBeams or Metal +?

Metal + is rated higher. iBeams averages 3.5 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Metal + averages 4.7 from 11 ratings.

### Do iBeams or Metal + have ads?

Neither iBeams nor Metal + shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iBeams or Metal +?

iBeams ships an update every 17 months, and Metal + every 4 months. Most recently, iBeams was updated on October 5, 2026 and Metal + on October 16, 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.*