# Ref Tools vs DWTools

The clearest difference is review sentiment: DWTools at 100% against Ref Tools's 58%. DWTools also leads on rating (4.2 vs 3.9). Ref Tools's advantage is ratings volume (52 vs 5). 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.

DWTools holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Ref Tools has 52 ratings behind it against 5, 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 100% of DWTools's.

Ref Tools ships an update every 5 weeks, DWTools every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ref Tools | DWTools |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (52 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ref-tools/id472312541/reviews) | **[4.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dwtools/id680830919/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **52** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 57.6% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 98 MB | 66 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Danfoss A/S](https://appshunter.io/developer/423984644) | [The Charles Machine Works, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/951728998) |

## 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


### DWTools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dwtools/id680830919)

This application offers a collection of tools designed for servicing specific equipment. It requires a separate hardware device for vehicle connectivity. Access to the vehicle's automation bus is provided through this connection.

**Highlights:** Equipment servicing tools, Vehicle automation bus connectivity, Requires DWLink hardware, Designed for DitchWitch equipment

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ref Tools free?

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

### Is DWTools free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Ref Tools or DWTools?

DWTools is rated higher. Ref Tools averages 3.9 out of 5 from 52 ratings, while DWTools averages 4.2 from 5 ratings.

### Do Ref Tools or DWTools have ads?

Neither Ref Tools nor DWTools shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Ref Tools or DWTools?

Ref Tools ships an update every 5 weeks, and DWTools every 2 months. Most recently, Ref Tools was updated on October 7, 2026 and DWTools on September 25, 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.*