# Joist vs WorkBee

Joist and WorkBee both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of WorkBee's written reviews are positive against 61% of Joist's. WorkBee also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). Joist's advantage is ratings volume (14K vs 29) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 6 weeks). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Joist sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. WorkBee asks for nothing beyond the download.

WorkBee holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Joist has 14K ratings behind it against 29, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 61% of Joist's written reviews are positive against 100% of WorkBee's.

Joist ships an update every 2 weeks, WorkBee every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Joist | WorkBee |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (14K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/joist-estimate-invoice-maker/id592163563/reviews) | **[4.9 (29 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/workbee-holiday-contracting/id1555771830/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **14K** | 29 |
| Positive reviews | 61.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#14** | — |
| Size | 194 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Joist Software Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/512868153) | [Sarthak Dhawan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676694293) |

## What reviewers say

### Joist

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/joist-estimate-invoice-maker/id592163563)

**Currently charting:** #14 Top Grossing · Business (US App Store)

Streamline your contracting business with tools for creating professional estimates and invoices, managing jobs, and accepting secure payments. Keep all client and job details organized in one place, accessible from any device.

**Highlights:** Create professional estimates and invoices, Manage jobs and client information, Schedule work and track workload, Accept credit card and PayPal payments, Customize with company logo, Convert estimates to invoices, Export data to accounting programs

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Quickbooks Sync Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Joist Basics Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Joist Pro Monthly | $16.99 | per month |
| Joist Elite Monthly | $31.99 | per month |
| Quickbooks Sync Annual | $90.99 | per year |
| Joist Run Monthly | $99.99 | per month |
| Joist Basics Annual | $99.99 | per year |
| Joist Pro Annual | $169.99 | per year |
| Joist Elite Annual | $319.99 | per year |
| Joist Run Annual | $999.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🚀 Professional-looking invoices
- 🚀 Convenient for small businesses
- 🚀 Helpful for organizing estimates and invoices
- 🚀 Great customer service

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🔒 Security and payment processing issues
- 💰 Expensive subscription fees
- 🔒 Locking users out of their data
- 🤯 Removing previously free features

**Reported bugs**

- Freezing when removing photos
- Estimates and invoices not being delivered
- Inconsistent behavior across devices
- Issues with payment processing and funds being held

**Requested features**

- Offline mode
- Ability to customize invoices and estimates
- More payment options
- Integration with accounting software
- Better organization and search for past invoices


### WorkBee

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/workbee-holiday-contracting/id1555771830)

This app simplifies the process of finding and hiring contractors for holiday decoration projects. It guides users through project details, virtual consultations, and scheduling installations with vetted professionals. Enjoy a hassle-free holiday season with easy communication and secure payments.

**Highlights:** Find holiday contractors, Virtual consultations, Schedule installations, Transparent pricing, Secure payments, Background-checked professionals, Customer support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Joist free?

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

### Is WorkBee free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Joist or WorkBee?

WorkBee is rated higher. Joist averages 4.7 out of 5 from 14K ratings, while WorkBee averages 4.9 from 29 ratings.

### Do Joist or WorkBee have ads?

Neither Joist nor WorkBee shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Joist or WorkBee?

Joist ships an update every 2 weeks, and WorkBee every 6 weeks. Most recently, Joist was updated on November 4, 2026 and WorkBee on November 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.*