Comparison

ToolMate vs VanVault

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

Head to head
About

ToolMate

Features
Read full description

Easily catalog tools and track equipment to ensure compliance with safety regulations and OEM mandatory-tool programs. The app supports multiple users and enables shops to quickly tag assets with QR codes for quick access to service history and other details. Track and manage equipment details, including serial numbers, calibration and testing records, equipment certifications, service history, and location information to simplify audits and ensure compliance. Additionally, the app keeps track of warranty expiration and provides links to owner's manuals and other documentation, such as assembly guides and repair manuals.

About

VanVault

Features
Read full description

Your tools are your livelihood. VanVault protects them. Built for HVAC techs, plumbers, electricians, and tradespeople who live out of their vans, VanVault is the fastest way to catalog every tool you own and have proof ready when something goes wrong. ADD TOOLS FAST • Snap a photo and AI suggests the brand, model, and replacement value (Pro) • Scan a barcode to capture the serial number • Tap-to-add from a preloaded HVAC tool catalog • Or enter it by hand: serials, purchase dates, values, photos CLAIM READY • One-tap Stolen Claim Package: photos, serials, purchase dates, and replacement values in one PDF, ready to send to your adjuster or the police • Pick exactly which tools were taken • Signed claimant certification page included STAY ON TOP OF MAINTENANCE • Per-tool service intervals ("service gauge annually") • See what's due or overdue at a glance and mark it serviced • Location tags: van, shop, job site WORKS WHERE YOU WORK • Offline-first: no signal needed on the job site • Included in your iPhone backup • Fast search across your entire inventory VanVault Pro unlocks unlimited tools, AI scanning, and PDF claim export for a single one-time payment. No subscription. No recurring charges. Your inventory stays on your device and in your iPhone backup. No account required. We don't sell your data. Download free. Add your 15 most valuable tools. See why every HVAC tech needs this before their next job.

Screenshots

ToolMate4 screens
VanVault4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

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

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ToolMate ships an update monthly, VanVault every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences Ā· 3 level
ToolMate versus VanVault: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterToolMateVanVault
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 3 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.415.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size69 MB32 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBicameral Corp.MindSprout Studios LLC

In-app purchases

None

ToolMate

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

VanVault

One-time1
  • VanVault Pro$9.99

Questions

Is ToolMate free?
ToolMate is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is VanVault free?
VanVault is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do ToolMate or VanVault have ads?
ToolMate shows ads; VanVault does not.
Which is updated more often, ToolMate or VanVault?
ToolMate ships an update monthly, and VanVault every 3 months. Most recently, ToolMate was updated on October 10, 2026 and VanVault on October 17, 2026.

Other comparisons