# Formatter vs GEN

The clearest difference is monetization model: Formatter at free against GEN's paid. Formatter also leads on device support (3 vs 1). GEN's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 months). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Formatter against 5.0 for GEN. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 3 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Formatter ships an update every 2 months, GEN every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on June 4, 2026 and September 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Formatter | GEN |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/formatter/id6470136674/reviews) | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gen-b/id6769944250/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **3** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 19 MB | 208 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.5 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mew Sang Lim](https://appshunter.io/developer/1471783562) | [Precision Broadcast Engineering LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896702805) |

## What reviewers say

### Formatter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/formatter/id6470136674)

This utility app transforms messy JSON data into a clean, readable format. It eliminates the frustration of scrolling and eye strain associated with poorly formatted code, simplifying data analysis.

**Highlights:** Seamless JSON formatting, Transforms unruly JSON, Clean, human-readable output, Simplifies data analysis

**In-app purchases:** none


### GEN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gen-b/id6769944250)

This tool generates professional video reference signals and offers display analysis capabilities for broadcast engineers and AV professionals. It helps test, troubleshoot, and evaluate video paths, routing systems, and displays with advanced signal quality features.

**Highlights:** Professional test patterns, Video reference clips, Multiple video formats and frame rates, RasterScope Analysis, SWEEP technology, External display output

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Formatter free?

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

### Is GEN free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Formatter or GEN?

Formatter and GEN are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 3 ratings respectively.

### Do Formatter or GEN have ads?

Neither Formatter nor GEN shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Formatter or GEN?

Formatter ships an update every 2 months, and GEN every 3 days. Most recently, Formatter was updated on June 4, 2026 and GEN on September 12, 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.*