# Ref Tools vs Reef.Tools

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Ref Tools at 58% against Reef.Tools's 0%. Ref Tools also leads on rating (3.9 vs 3.0) and ratings volume (52 vs 2). Reef.Tools's advantage is update cadence (daily vs every 5 weeks). 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.

Ref Tools holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Ref Tools has 52 ratings behind it against 2, 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 0% of Reef.Tools's.

Ref Tools ships an update every 5 weeks, Reef.Tools daily. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ref Tools | Reef.Tools |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.9 (52 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ref-tools/id472312541/reviews)** | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reeftools/id6739948464/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **52** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | **57.6% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 98 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Danfoss A/S](https://appshunter.io/developer/423984644) | [Ivena LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1787597398) |

## 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

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Useful tool for HVAC/R techs
- 👍 Great idea for an app
- 👍 Best refrigeration and hvac app
- 👍 Useful App for HVACR
- 👍 Brilliant app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes instantly on launch
- 🐛 App won’t open on iPhone
- 🐛 Flashes up and disappears
- 🐛 Cannot open app
- 🐛 Immediately shuts off

**Reported bugs**

- CRASHED instantly on Mac Mini M4
- App won’t open on iPhone
- App flashes up and disappears
- Cannot open app
- Immediately shuts off since recent release

**Requested features**

- More residential AC information
- Troubleshooter for Residential & Commercial
- Add SP22 refrigerant
- Add R-11 refrigerant
- Add R-123 range down to 40 degrees


### Reef.Tools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reeftools/id6739948464)

This app simplifies reef tank maintenance with science-backed tools. It offers a precision dosing calculator for over 30 elements, customizable schedules, and insights into water chemistry. Compare your tank's parameters to natural ocean values.

**Highlights:** Precision dosing calculator for 30+ elements, Customizable dosing schedules, Reef chemistry insights, Support for multiple brands and custom targets, Comparison to natural ocean parameters

**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 Reef.Tools free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Ref Tools or Reef.Tools?

Ref Tools is rated higher. Ref Tools averages 3.9 out of 5 from 52 ratings, while Reef.Tools averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Ref Tools or Reef.Tools have ads?

Neither Ref Tools nor Reef.Tools shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Ref Tools or Reef.Tools?

Ref Tools ships an update every 5 weeks, and Reef.Tools daily. Most recently, Ref Tools was updated on October 1, 2026 and Reef.Tools on September 30, 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.*