# XScreenSaver vs Kinetiform

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: XScreenSaver at none against Kinetiform's 1. XScreenSaver also leads on update cadence (every 6 months vs every 22 months). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Kinetiform sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. XScreenSaver asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for XScreenSaver against 4.9 for Kinetiform. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 104 and 40 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 93% of XScreenSaver's written reviews are positive against 92% of Kinetiform's.

XScreenSaver ships an update every 6 months, Kinetiform every 22 months. The most recent releases landed on August 19, 2026 and September 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | XScreenSaver | Kinetiform |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (104 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xscreensaver/id539014593/reviews) | **[4.9 (40 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kinetiform/id1599140822/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **104** | 40 |
| Positive reviews | **92.9% of reviews** | 91.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 months** | Every 22 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 28 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jamie Zawinski](https://appshunter.io/developer/368900426) | [Colordodge Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/376551726) |

## What reviewers say

### XScreenSaver

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xscreensaver/id539014593)

Explore a vast collection of historic and educational graphics demos originally designed for Linux and Unix systems. This application allows you to interact with hundreds of these visual demonstrations, ported from the classic screen saver collection.

**Highlights:** Historic graphics demos, Educational visual content, Interactive demo playback, Large collection of visuals, Cross-platform heritage

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ No ads or data collection
- 🎨 Extensive variety of screensavers
- 📱 Works seamlessly across multiple platforms (iOS, Mac, iPad)
- 🆓 Completely free application
- 🕰️ Nostalgic and retro aesthetic appeal

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes with certain screensavers
- 🎯 Difficult to tap small exit button on larger devices
- 🔋 High battery consumption on some devices
- ⚠️ Photo library screensaver crashes on iOS 13
- 🎪 Limited practical use on iOS devices

**Reported bugs**

- Photo library screensaver crashes on iOS 13
- GLText reveals password when system info is selected
- Framebuffer loading failures requiring app restart
- Crashes on certain devices or configurations
- Difficult UI for exiting screensavers on larger phones

**Requested features**

- Favorites or bookmarking system to save preferred screensavers
- Hide or exclude unwanted screensavers from rotation
- Ability to select specific channels in XAnalogTV screensaver
- Widget support for iOS standby mode
- Prevent auto-lock feature to keep screen on


### Kinetiform

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kinetiform/id1599140822)

This app transforms your doodles into dynamic abstract art. Shapes automatically connect and fill with unique patterns, while kaleidoscopic animations add a mesmerizing visual experience. You can also let the app create art for you with its Auto Draw feature.

**Highlights:** Automatic shape detection and pattern filling, Auto Draw for generative art creation, Regenerate patterns, 36 preset kaleidoscopic effects, Customizable kaleidoscope settings, Save and share drawings

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Mode | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is XScreenSaver free?

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

### Is Kinetiform free?

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

### Which has better reviews, XScreenSaver or Kinetiform?

Kinetiform is rated higher. XScreenSaver averages 4.9 out of 5 from 104 ratings, while Kinetiform averages 4.9 from 40 ratings.

### Do XScreenSaver or Kinetiform have ads?

Neither XScreenSaver nor Kinetiform shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, XScreenSaver or Kinetiform?

XScreenSaver ships an update every 6 months, and Kinetiform every 22 months. Most recently, XScreenSaver was updated on August 19, 2026 and Kinetiform on September 3, 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.*