Comparison

StitchBuddy HD vs DirectDrop

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

StitchBuddy HD

Manage, edit, and preview machine embroidery designs on your mobile device. Modify designs at the stitch level, change thread colors, and sync across devices. Supports various file formats and printing options.

Highlights
  • Rotate, flip, move, resize designs
  • Modify designs without changing stitch count
  • Copy, paste, and combine designs
  • Change thread colors and palettes
  • 3D stitch display and zoom options
  • File management with previews
  • Convert between embroidery formats
Features
Read full description

Have your machine embroidery designs always at hand, wherever you are! Enjoy beautiful previews on your iPhone and iPad, manage and modify designs down to stitch level, and stay in sync with your computer. Features: • Rotate, flip, move, resize, or delete selected parts or the entire design. • Resize selected parts or the entire design (without adjusting the stitch count). • Copy and paste to duplicate parts, or to combine different designs. • Center a design in the hoop. • Add basting stitches to fix the underlay. • Change individual thread colors, or replace the entire palette. • Select from several different manufacturer thread charts. • Reorder threads and delete color changes. • Display options incl. zooming, 3D stitch display, or stitch structure. • File management with folders and design previews. • Print detail sheets via AirPrint. • Share design files, detail sheets, or real-size templates (PDF). • Multiple levels of Undo while editing. • Convert designs to other embroidery file formats. • Synchronization between different devices via iCloud. • Supports various storage locations including USB sticks. • Open designs in other applications or share by AirDrop. Supported import formats (read): • Janome JEF, JEF+, JPX, SEW • Brother PES, PEC • Melco EXP • Bernina EXP+ (not supported by Preview / Thumbnail) • Tajima DST • Pfaff VP3, KSM, PCS, PCQ, PCD Supported export formats (write): • Janome JEF • Brother PES v1.0 (130 x 180 mm), PEC • Melco EXP • Bernina EXP+ • Tajima DST • Pfaff PCS You can test StitchBuddy HD with all functions for free (saving designs is limited to 1,000 stitches). Unlock this limitation via In-App purchase if you like StitchBuddy HD and want to support its development ... and please share your experience with others by leaving a rating or review! Additional information, FAQs and video tutorials can be found at StitchBuddy's website. NOTE: StitchBuddy HD does not digitize embroidery designs.

About

DirectDrop

Features
Read full description

DirectDrop is a fast sharing app that lets you transfer photos, videos and files directly between your devices. Direct, platform-independent transfer between your phone, tablet and computer. Pair with a QR code or a 6-digit room code, approve the connection request, and send your files straight to the other device. Highlights: • Cross-platform transfer: phone, tablet and computer • Quick pairing with a QR code or room code • Direct transfer over WebRTC • File contents are sent without being uploaded to a server • Send multiple files at once with batch approval • Live transfer progress • Progress indicator while preparing photos and videos • Transfer history for sent and received files • Reconnect to saved devices • Connection request notifications even when the app is closed DirectDrop uses Firebase-based signaling to set up pairing and connections. The content of transferred files is not stored on DirectDrop servers. A simple, fast and reliable file transfer experience for everyday use.

Screenshots

StitchBuddy HD4 screens
DirectDrop3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: DirectDrop at none against StitchBuddy HD's 1. DirectDrop also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. StitchBuddy HD sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. DirectDrop asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

StitchBuddy HD ships an update every 3 months, DirectDrop weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
StitchBuddy HD versus DirectDrop: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStitchBuddy HDDirectDrop
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (296 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews63.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings296 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB37 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMatthias ArndtMetin Kayan

Bugs and requests

StitchBuddy HD

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Cannot open certain file formats (e.g., HUS)
  • Inconsistent performance across devices
  • Unexpected behavior when importing designs

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add ability to create designs from scratch
  • Improve file transfer options (e.g., AirDrop)
  • Enhance color editing capabilities
  • Provide more comprehensive tutorials and documentation

DirectDrop

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

StitchBuddy HD

One-time1
  • StitchBuddy Go$19.99
None

DirectDrop

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is StitchBuddy HD free?
StitchBuddy HD is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is DirectDrop free?
DirectDrop is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do StitchBuddy HD or DirectDrop have ads?
Neither StitchBuddy HD nor DirectDrop shows ads.
Which is updated more often, StitchBuddy HD or DirectDrop?
StitchBuddy HD ships an update every 3 months, and DirectDrop weekly. Most recently, StitchBuddy HD was updated on October 10, 2026 and DirectDrop on October 11, 2026.

Other comparisons