# Canvas by Instructure vs iClicker Student

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Canvas by Instructure at none against iClicker Student's 8. Canvas by Instructure also leads on ratings volume (2.8M vs 37K) and rating (4.7 vs 4.4). iClicker Student's advantage is iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. iClicker Student sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Canvas by Instructure asks for nothing beyond the download.

Canvas by Instructure holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Canvas by Instructure has 2.8M ratings behind it against 37K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 27% of Canvas by Instructure's written reviews are positive against 17% of iClicker Student's.

Canvas by Instructure ships an update every 3 weeks, iClicker Student every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on September 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Canvas by Instructure | iClicker Student |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (2.8M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/canvas-by-instructure/id480883488/reviews)** | [4.4 (37K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iclicker-student/id899690067/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.8M** | 37K |
| Positive reviews | **26.8% of reviews** | 17.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#4** | #28 |
| Size | 209 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Instructure Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/418441198) | [HPHLP](https://appshunter.io/developer/395949292) |

## What reviewers say

### Canvas by Instructure

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

**Currently charting:** #4 Top Free · Education, #172 Top Free (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


### iClicker Student

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iclicker-student/id899690067)

**Currently charting:** #28 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

Engage in class by answering instructor questions directly from your mobile device. Receive immediate feedback on your responses and compare your performance with classmates. Review past questions and answers to prepare for quizzes and exams, with all your data securely stored in the cloud.

**Highlights:** Answer instructor questions on mobile, Receive instant feedback, Compare responses to class results, Access saved poll questions for study, Cloud-based data storage, Supports multiple question types

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| iClicker Pulse 6-Months | $5.99 | one-time |
| iClicker Pulse 1-Year | $8.99 | one-time |
| iClicker Pro 6-Months | $16.99 | one-time |
| iClicker 6-Month Subscription | $16.99 | one-time |
| iClicker Pro 6-Months | $25.99 | one-time |
| iClicker 1-year subscription | $25.99 | one-time |
| iClicker 2-Year Subscription | $36.99 | one-time |
| iClicker 4-Year Subscription | $51.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 💡 Saves money compared to physical iClicker
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 🚀 Reliable and works well

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and glitches
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔒 Privacy concerns with location tracking
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with older devices/iPads

**Reported bugs**

- Logging out and back in causes data loss
- Location tracking not working properly
- Questions not appearing or disappearing during class
- Frequent disconnections and sign-out issues

**Requested features**

- Add push notifications for when questions are available
- Show correct answers after questions are answered
- Display countdown timer for questions
- Allow deleting of courses added accidentally
- Provide subscription options based on semester length


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Canvas by Instructure free?

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

### Is iClicker Student free?

iClicker Student is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Canvas by Instructure or iClicker Student?

Canvas by Instructure is rated higher. Canvas by Instructure averages 4.7 out of 5 from 2.8M ratings, while iClicker Student averages 4.4 from 37K ratings.

### Do Canvas by Instructure or iClicker Student have ads?

Neither Canvas by Instructure nor iClicker Student shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Canvas by Instructure or iClicker Student?

Canvas by Instructure ships an update every 3 weeks, and iClicker Student every 6 weeks. Most recently, Canvas by Instructure was updated on September 25, 2026 and iClicker Student on September 25, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Canvas by Instructure or iClicker Student?

Canvas by Instructure currently peaks at #4 in the App Store charts, and iClicker Student at #28. 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.*