# NOVA Elements vs StudyBuddy

The clearest difference is rating: StudyBuddy at 4.6 against NOVA Elements's 4.1. StudyBuddy also leads on update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 5 months) and device support (3 vs 1). NOVA Elements's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (254 vs 59). On price, review sentiment, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. StudyBuddy sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per month. NOVA Elements asks for nothing beyond the download.

StudyBuddy holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 254 and 59 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 62% of NOVA Elements's written reviews are positive against 67% of StudyBuddy's.

NOVA Elements ships an update every 5 months, StudyBuddy every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NOVA Elements | StudyBuddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (254 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-elements/id512772649/reviews) | **[4.6 (59 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/studybuddy-schoology-grades/id6760126307/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **254** | 59 |
| Positive reviews | 62.1% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 513 MB | 50 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PBS](https://appshunter.io/developer/329374179) | [VaultIQ Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1882769240) |

## What reviewers say

### NOVA Elements

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-elements/id512772649)

Explore the periodic table and understand element properties. Learn how elements combine to form everyday objects through interactive games and educational videos.

**Highlights:** Interactive periodic table, Learn element properties, Understand element combinations, Educational game, NOVA program access

**In-app purchases:** none


### StudyBuddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/studybuddy-schoology-grades/id6760126307)

This app provides a streamlined and visually appealing way to track your academic performance by connecting to your Schoology account. It offers tools to calculate potential grade changes, visualize grade progression, and manage assignment deadlines, helping you stay organized and focused on studying.

**Highlights:** What-if grade calculator, Grade progression graph, Assignment calendar, Beautiful grade view, Privacy-focused data handling, Secure Schoology login

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NOVA Elements free?

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

### Is StudyBuddy free?

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

### Which has better reviews, NOVA Elements or StudyBuddy?

StudyBuddy is rated higher. NOVA Elements averages 4.1 out of 5 from 254 ratings, while StudyBuddy averages 4.6 from 59 ratings.

### Do NOVA Elements or StudyBuddy have ads?

Neither NOVA Elements nor StudyBuddy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NOVA Elements or StudyBuddy?

NOVA Elements ships an update every 5 months, and StudyBuddy every 6 weeks. Most recently, NOVA Elements was updated on October 3, 2026 and StudyBuddy on October 6, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*