# Private DB vs Ninox Database for iPhone

The clearest difference is rating: Private DB at 4.6 against Ninox Database for iPhone's 4.1. Private DB also leads on ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Ninox Database for iPhone's advantage is review sentiment (71% vs 50%) and update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Private DB holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 75 and 87 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 50% of Private DB's written reviews are positive against 71% of Ninox Database for iPhone's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Private DB ships an update monthly, Ninox Database for iPhone fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Private DB | Ninox Database for iPhone |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (75 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-db/id406410237/reviews)** | [4.1 (87 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ninox-database-for-iphone/id1004635818/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 75 | **87** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **70.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 4 MB | 73 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Portable Databases](https://appshunter.io/developer/333398128) | [Ninox Software GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/838880714) |

## What reviewers say

### Private DB

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-db/id406410237)

Easily view and manage SQLite databases on your mobile device. Import data from various sources like CSV or tab-delimited files, and search or sort through your tables. Ideal for IT managers and data publishers who need to distribute data without modification.

**Highlights:** Import CSV and tab-delimited text files, Load databases from web, email, Dropbox, iTunes, Searchable and sortable tables, Execute SQL commands, Create views on tables, Sort on up to three fields

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Ninox Database for iPhone

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ninox-database-for-iphone/id1004635818)

Create custom databases and business applications for work and personal use. Digitize workflows, manage data, and collaborate with teams across devices without coding. Offers templates for various needs like CRM, inventory, and invoicing.

**Highlights:** Create custom databases, Build business apps without code, Team collaboration and real-time sync, Import/export data, Pre-built templates, Formula editor for calculations, API integration

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 💡 Innovative no-code database
- 🔄 Regular updates and improvements
- ✅ Works across multiple devices

**What reviewers complain about**

- ⚠️ Requires programming knowledge for advanced features
- 📉 Limited form design options
- 🗃️ No reporting capabilities
- 🚫 Cannot change attachment save path
- 💻 No VB or SQL backend

**Reported bugs**

- Data not always syncing between devices
- Time entry issues (e.g., 10:10:00 appears as 11:10:00)
- iPhone app shows black screen
- Last update wiped out all information
- App won't open after update

**Requested features**

- Manual sync option
- Password protection for databases
- Auto-backup feature for cloud databases
- Web form with API access
- Dark mode option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Private DB free?

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

### Is Ninox Database for iPhone free?

Ninox Database for iPhone is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Private DB or Ninox Database for iPhone?

Private DB is rated higher. Private DB averages 4.6 out of 5 from 75 ratings, while Ninox Database for iPhone averages 4.1 from 87 ratings.

### Do Private DB or Ninox Database for iPhone have ads?

Ninox Database for iPhone shows ads; Private DB does not.

### Which is updated more often, Private DB or Ninox Database for iPhone?

Private DB ships an update monthly, and Ninox Database for iPhone fortnightly. Most recently, Private DB was updated on October 2, 2026 and Ninox Database for iPhone on October 9, 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.*