# eXact iDip vs Nova Safe

The clearest difference is rating: eXact iDip at 4.0 against Nova Safe's 3.5. eXact iDip also leads on update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 5 months) and review sentiment (67% vs 50%). Nova Safe's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 18) and iOS requirement (13.2 vs 15.6). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. eXact iDip sells 18 one-off in-app purchases. Nova Safe asks for nothing beyond the download.

eXact iDip holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: eXact iDip has 49 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of eXact iDip's written reviews are positive against 50% of Nova Safe's.

eXact iDip ships an update every 6 weeks, Nova Safe every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | eXact iDip | Nova Safe |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.0 (49 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/exact-idip/id579168702/reviews)** | [3.5 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-safe/id954789077/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **49** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | **66.7% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 41 MB | 43 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **13.2** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Industrial Test Systems Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/579168705) | [Villanova University](https://appshunter.io/developer/357150335) |

## What reviewers say

### eXact iDip

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/exact-idip/id579168702)

This app transforms your smartphone into a powerful water testing tool. It works with a handheld photometer to provide accurate water analysis, store data, and track locations. Customize your testing with over 40 additional parameters available for purchase.

**Highlights:** Share test data via CSV, Seamless smartphone integration, Parameter information and data storage, GPS tracking, Over 40 purchasable test parameters, Quick and simple testing procedure

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (18)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Chloride CH | $4.99 | one-time |
| Copper CU | $4.99 | one-time |
| Hardness, Total Low THL | $4.99 | one-time |
| Iron, Total FE | $4.99 | one-time |
| Nitrate, Fresh NO3 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Phosphate PO4 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Sulfate SO4 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Hardness, Total High THH | $4.99 | one-time |
| Calcium CA | $4.99 | one-time |
| Cyanuric Acid CY-III | $4.99 | one-time |
| Manganese MN | $4.99 | one-time |
| Chlorine, Total (DPD-4) CL | $4.99 | one-time |
| Turbidity TU | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bromine, Total (DPD-4) bR | $4.99 | one-time |
| Pool Bundle | $8.99 | one-time |
| Smart Brew Bundle | $18.99 | one-time |
| 570 Marine Bundle | $23.99 | one-time |
| Well Bundle | $34.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💯 Accurate results
- ⏱️ Quick testing
- ✅ Easy to use
- 💡 Innovative technology
- 💰 Value for money

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❌ Bluetooth connection issues
- 📉 Poor user interface
- 💸 Expensive test strips/algorithms
- ⚠️ Inconsistent results
- 🚫 GPS/location required

**Reported bugs**

- Bluetooth connection problems
- App crashes on launch or during use
- Lost purchased tests after update
- Results data goes missing
- Store section not showing items

**Requested features**

- Improve user interface and navigation
- Allow setting customer/site once for personal use
- Provide actual readings instead of 'LO'/'HIGH'
- Full screen support for iPhone X and iPads
- Better interface/integration between devices


### Nova Safe

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-safe/id954789077)

This safety app connects users to university safety forces for quick assistance. It allows sending crime tips with media, requesting safety escorts, and tracking friends' locations. Users can also access campus resources, shuttle schedules, and view a crime map.

**Highlights:** Contact university safety forces, Send crime tips with photos/videos, Request safety escorts, Friend Watch location tracking, View real-time shuttle locations, Access campus resources, View campus crime map

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is eXact iDip free?

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

### Is Nova Safe free?

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

### Which has better reviews, eXact iDip or Nova Safe?

eXact iDip is rated higher. eXact iDip averages 4.0 out of 5 from 49 ratings, while Nova Safe averages 3.5 from 6 ratings.

### Do eXact iDip or Nova Safe have ads?

Neither eXact iDip nor Nova Safe shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, eXact iDip or Nova Safe?

eXact iDip ships an update every 6 weeks, and Nova Safe every 5 months. Most recently, eXact iDip was updated on September 29, 2026 and Nova Safe on October 1, 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.*