# Blackbird vs Eater

The clearest difference is rating: Blackbird at 4.8 against Eater's 4.1. Blackbird also leads on ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Blackbird holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Blackbird has 13K ratings behind it against 59, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 37% of Blackbird's written reviews are positive against 42% of Eater's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Blackbird ships an update every 8 days, Eater weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Blackbird | Eater |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (13K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blackbird-vip-dining-rewards/id6447012323/reviews)** | [4.1 (59 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eater/id6469005148/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **13K** | 59 |
| Positive reviews | 36.9% of reviews | **41.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 8 days | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 175 MB | 154 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.4** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Blackbird Labs, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1664290294) | [Vox Media, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/457274452) |

## What reviewers say

### Blackbird

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blackbird-vip-dining-rewards/id6447012323)

This app rewards users for dining out and paying at participating restaurants. Earn restaurant-specific currency and unlock VIP perks like exclusive access and events as you increase your status. Discover new dining experiences and connect with other food lovers.

**Highlights:** Earn $FLY rewards on dining, Unlock VIP perks and status tiers, Access guaranteed reservations, Discover new restaurants and events, Seamless cashless payments, Split checks with groups

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Great rewards program
- 🚀 Smooth check-in process
- 💡 Unique NFT and token features
- 👍 Fun and engaging experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Confusing user interface
- 🐛 Technical difficulties and glitches
- 🐛 Poor restaurant staff training
- 💡 Unclear how to use rewards/tokens
- 🐛 Deceptive concept with 'fly coins'

**Reported bugs**

- Authorization process not working
- Inability to update account information
- Inconsistent check-in and payment experience

**Requested features**

- Ability to view list of available restaurants
- Improved restaurant search and discovery
- Better integration with restaurant systems
- Clearer explanation of rewards and payment process


### Eater

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eater/id6469005148)

Discover top restaurant and bar recommendations curated by expert editors. Find new places in any city, get personalized suggestions, and easily make reservations. Never have a bad meal again with trusted insider picks.

**Highlights:** Editor-curated restaurant picks, Personalized recommendations, Insider community connection, Smart search functionality, Create and share custom lists, Direct table reservations

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Convenient access to Eater content
- 🚀 Curated restaurant recommendations
- 💡 Ability to save/reference restaurant lists

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes/won't open for some users
- 🔒 Forced opt-in for data tracking
- 🗺️ Outdated restaurant information
- 🌍 Limited to certain regions/cities

**Reported bugs**

- Search and account icons smushed on main map page
- Location settings get stuck after disabling tracking

**Requested features**

- Add filters and sorting for map/list view
- Allow sharing of restaurant lists
- Improve font size and layout on map view


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Blackbird free?

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

### Is Eater free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Blackbird or Eater?

Blackbird is rated higher. Blackbird averages 4.8 out of 5 from 13K ratings, while Eater averages 4.1 from 59 ratings.

### Do Blackbird or Eater have ads?

Eater shows ads; Blackbird does not.

### Which is updated more often, Blackbird or Eater?

Blackbird ships an update every 8 days, and Eater weekly. Most recently, Blackbird was updated on September 25, 2026 and Eater on September 21, 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.*