# Michaels Stores vs PetSmart

The clearest difference is rating: Michaels Stores at 4.8 against PetSmart's 4.0. Michaels Stores also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (271K vs 31K). On price, review sentiment, update cadence 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.

Michaels Stores holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Michaels Stores has 271K ratings behind it against 31K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 8% of Michaels Stores's written reviews are positive against 10% of PetSmart's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Michaels Stores ships an update every 2 weeks, PetSmart every 10 days. Both last shipped on October 15, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Michaels Stores | PetSmart |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (271K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/michaels-stores/id445458809/reviews)** | [4.0 (31K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/petsmart/id1175467091/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **271K** | 31K |
| Positive reviews | 7.5% of reviews | **9.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #90 | **#68** |
| Size | 455 MB | 138 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Michaels Stores, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/445458812) | [PetSmart LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/383283401) |

## What reviewers say

### Michaels Stores

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/michaels-stores/id445458809)

**Currently charting:** #90 Top Free · Shopping (US App Store)

Shop for all your arts and crafts needs, find store locations, and access project ideas. Save money with weekly ads and coupons, and earn rewards through the Michaels Rewards program.

**Highlights:** Shop for craft supplies, Locate nearby stores, Voice search for items, Check product availability and prices, Create shopping lists, View weekly ads and coupons, Access project ideas, Join Michaels Rewards program

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💳 Convenient curbside pickup
- 🛒 Wide variety of products
- 💰 Great sales and coupons
- 🎨 Inspiration for crafts

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Inaccurate in-stock information
- 🐛 Buggy and glitchy app
- 🤖 Poor customer service
- 🔙 Frustrating navigation and back button issues
- 🔍 Ineffective search functionality

**Reported bugs**

- App crashing and freezing issues
- Incorrect order fulfillment and shipping
- Rewards program sync problems

**Requested features**

- Ability to check gift card balance
- Option to filter by in-store availability
- Improved order tracking and status updates
- Better integration between app and website


### PetSmart

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/petsmart/id1175467091)

**Currently charting:** #68 Top Free · Shopping (US App Store)

Shop for pet supplies, book grooming appointments, and manage your pet's care all in one place. Access helpful articles, earn rewards, and find store locations easily. Get everything you need for your furry, feathered, or scaled family members.

**Highlights:** In-app shopping for pet essentials, Buy online, pick up in store (1-hour option), Treats Rewards loyalty program management, In-app salon booking and appointment management, Doggie Day Camp availability check, PetsHotel reservations, Personalized offers and content

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 📅 Easy to book appointments
- 🛒 Convenient online shopping
- 💰 Rewards program with coupons

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and bugs
- 🇨🇦 Doesn't work for Canadian customers
- 🤔 Confusing and unintuitive UI
- ⏱️ Slow loading times
- 🔒 Login and account issues

**Reported bugs**

- Payment processing errors
- Disappearing cart items
- Incorrect store location and inventory
- Inability to complete online orders

**Requested features**

- Add barcode scanner for price checks
- Improve search and filtering functionality
- Allow adding favorite items and past orders
- Integrate pet profiles and medical records
- Provide delivery options beyond in-store pickup


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Michaels Stores free?

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

### Is PetSmart free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Michaels Stores or PetSmart?

Michaels Stores is rated higher. Michaels Stores averages 4.8 out of 5 from 271K ratings, while PetSmart averages 4.0 from 31K ratings.

### Do Michaels Stores or PetSmart have ads?

PetSmart shows ads; Michaels Stores does not.

### Which is updated more often, Michaels Stores or PetSmart?

Michaels Stores ships an update every 2 weeks, and PetSmart every 10 days. Most recently, Michaels Stores was updated on October 15, 2026 and PetSmart on October 15, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Michaels Stores or PetSmart?

Michaels Stores currently peaks at #90 in the App Store charts, and PetSmart at #68. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*