# Canvas by Instructure vs Common App

The clearest difference is rating: Canvas by Instructure at 4.7 against Common App's 3.0. Canvas by Instructure also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 9 months) and ratings volume (2.8M vs 673). Common App's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.0). 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.

Canvas by Instructure holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Canvas by Instructure has 2.8M ratings behind it against 673, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Canvas by Instructure ships an update every 3 weeks, Common App every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Canvas by Instructure | Common App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (2.8M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/canvas-by-instructure/id480883488/reviews)** | [3.0 (673 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/common-app/id1533688509/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.8M** | 673 |
| Positive reviews | — | 22.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 9 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#7** | #29 |
| Size | 216 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Instructure Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/418441198) | [The Common Application](https://appshunter.io/developer/1030434052) |

## What reviewers say

### Canvas by Instructure

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/canvas-by-instructure/id480883488)

**Currently charting:** #7 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

Access your courses and stay organized with this learning app. Track assignments, submit work, participate in discussions, and even study offline. It supports integrated tools and accessibility features for a seamless educational experience.

**Highlights:** View grades and track assignments, Submit assignments and take quizzes, Join class discussions, Download courses for offline access, Receive push notifications and reminders, Integrated classroom tools and dark mode

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 📚 Easy access to course materials
- 💻 Convenient mobile access
- 📊 Helpful grade tracking
- 🔔 Useful notification system

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🔁 Resets when switching apps
- 🔍 Difficult to navigate
- 🙈 Lack of customization options
- 🗓️ Calendar issues

**Reported bugs**

- App freezing and crashing
- Inability to view all course content
- Inconsistent behavior across devices
- Unreliable assignment submission
- Syncing issues between app and website

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Improved discussion board functionality
- Ability to edit posts/comments
- Integration with personal calendars
- More granular notification controls


### Common App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/common-app/id1533688509)

**Currently charting:** #29 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

Manage your college applications on the go. This app offers a secure and streamlined way to apply to over 1000 colleges, research financial aid options, and access guidance from counselors, all from your mobile device.

**Highlights:** Apply to 1000+ colleges, Research financial aid, Get counselor advice, Secure application process, Mobile convenience

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Convenient mobile app
- 👍 Same functionality as website
- 🎉 Finally available as an app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 🔑 Requires re-login every time
- 🚫 Doesn't work for transfer students

**Reported bugs**

- White screen on login
- App doesn't load past logo
- Redirects transfer students to website

**Requested features**

- Keep user logged in for longer
- Increase text box size
- Add back button navigation


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Canvas by Instructure free?

Canvas by Instructure is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Common App free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Canvas by Instructure or Common App?

Canvas by Instructure is rated higher. Canvas by Instructure averages 4.7 out of 5 from 2.8M ratings, while Common App averages 3.0 from 673 ratings.

### Do Canvas by Instructure or Common App have ads?

Neither Canvas by Instructure nor Common App shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Canvas by Instructure or Common App?

Canvas by Instructure ships an update every 3 weeks, and Common App every 9 months. Most recently, Canvas by Instructure was updated on October 20, 2026 and Common App on October 17, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Canvas by Instructure or Common App?

Canvas by Instructure currently peaks at #7 in the App Store charts, and Common App at #29. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*