# DerbyUni vs Blackboard

The clearest difference is review sentiment: DerbyUni at 36% against Blackboard's 14%. Blackboard's advantage is chart position (#109 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.4). 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.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DerbyUni | Blackboard |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.6 (443K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blackboard/id950424861/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **443K** |
| Positive reviews | **36.0% of reviews** | 14.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | — | **#109** |
| Size | 83 MB | 172 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.4 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [University Of Derby](https://appshunter.io/developer/1106312902) | [Anthology Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676499025) |

## What reviewers say

### DerbyUni

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/derbyuni/id462830161)

This app serves as an online portal for university students, offering access to essential academic and administrative services. It provides a centralized hub for managing timetables, accessing learning platforms, checking emails, and finding campus resources. Students can also manage their records, seek support, and engage with university life.

**Highlights:** Access academic timetables, Connect to Blackboard Learn, Manage Unimail, View online Unicard, Access Microsoft 365, Find campus IT support, Search library resources

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Blackboard

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blackboard/id950424861)

**Currently charting:** #109 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

This app connects students and instructors to their institution's learning management system. Access course materials, submit assignments, track grades, and communicate with peers and instructors on the go.

**Highlights:** Course updates and announcements, Assignment submission and testing, Grade tracking, Discussion board management, Material organization, Real-time notifications

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 🔒 Secure login process
- 💡 Helpful for busy students

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔄 Constant need to re-login
- 🕰️ Slow loading times
- 📱 Not optimized for mobile/tablets

**Reported bugs**

- Activity stream not loading properly
- Inconsistent behavior across mobile and web
- Inability to view full assignment details

**Requested features**

- Ability to customize course order
- Improved notifications and alerts
- Split-screen functionality for multitasking
- Offline access to course materials


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DerbyUni free?

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

### Is Blackboard free?

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

### Do DerbyUni or Blackboard have ads?

Neither DerbyUni nor Blackboard shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DerbyUni or Blackboard?

DerbyUni ships an update monthly, and Blackboard monthly. Most recently, DerbyUni was updated on October 6, 2026 and Blackboard on October 19, 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.*