# Ref Tools vs TLV ToolBox

The clearest difference is rating: TLV ToolBox at 4.5 against Ref Tools's 3.9. TLV ToolBox also leads on review sentiment (75% vs 58%) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 15.0). Ref Tools's advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (52 vs 8). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

TLV ToolBox holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Ref Tools has 52 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 58% of Ref Tools's written reviews are positive against 75% of TLV ToolBox's.

Ref Tools ships an update every 5 weeks, TLV ToolBox every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and June 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ref Tools | TLV ToolBox |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (52 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ref-tools/id472312541/reviews) | **[4.5 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tlv-toolbox/id653406777/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **52** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | 57.6% of reviews | **75.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 98 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **9.3** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Danfoss A/S](https://appshunter.io/developer/423984644) | [TLV CO.,LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/653406780) |

## What reviewers say

### Ref Tools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ref-tools/id472312541)

This app provides HVACR technicians with essential tools and information for field service. It includes refrigerant calculators, troubleshooting guides, product finders, and access to spare parts. Listen to educational podcasts to enhance your knowledge on the go.

**Highlights:** Refrigerant Slider for P/T calculations, Solenoid valve coil testing tool, Refrigeration system troubleshooting guide, Product data finder, Spare parts ordering, Low-GWP refrigerant comparison, TXV Superheat optimization, Educational podcasts

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### TLV ToolBox

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tlv-toolbox/id653406777)

This utility app transforms your mobile device into a portable steam calculation tool. It assists with onsite calculations for control valve stations, condensate recovery systems, and various maintenance tasks, reducing the need for multiple trips.

**Highlights:** Steam Tables (saturated and superheated), Steam Pipe Sizing, Condensate Pipe Sizing, Heating Calculations, Cv and Kv Values, Stall Point

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ref Tools free?

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

### Is TLV ToolBox free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Ref Tools or TLV ToolBox?

TLV ToolBox is rated higher. Ref Tools averages 3.9 out of 5 from 52 ratings, while TLV ToolBox averages 4.5 from 8 ratings.

### Do Ref Tools or TLV ToolBox have ads?

Neither Ref Tools nor TLV ToolBox shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Ref Tools or TLV ToolBox?

Ref Tools ships an update every 5 weeks, and TLV ToolBox every 4 months. Most recently, Ref Tools was updated on September 26, 2026 and TLV ToolBox on June 6, 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.*