Comparison

Backlog by Time Engine vs Approval Studio

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

Head to head
About

Backlog by Time Engine

Features
Read full description

Backlog is a time based todo list, add an backlog, add items and subitems to it, associate it with a time amount representing a how much it will take to be done with it. Backlog adds all your items time and show how much workload you have. Simply check and uncheck items, move them to prioritize them or delete them.

About

Approval Studio

Features
Read full description

Approval Studio: Professional Design Proofing & Collaboration What Approval Studio Does Approval Studio is online proofing software for real-time design review and artwork approval. Instead of managing feedback through scattered emails, teams use one organized platform to review, annotate, and approve creative projects efficiently. Upload designs, invite stakeholders, collect visual feedback, and manage approval workflows in a single workspace. Every comment, revision, and decision is tracked for complete project visibility. Core Features Visual Annotation System Pin feedback directly onto design elements using annotation tools including rectangles, circles, arrows, and freeform drawing. Reviewers highlight specific areas and leave detailed comments for clear communication between teams and clients. Project Organization Organize projects using customizable kanban boards with stages like "Initiated," "Under Review," "Client Feedback," and "Approved." Track project progress visually and ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Simple Collaboration Invite external users and clients to review designs with simple links - no complicated registrations required. Team members collaborate using discussion tabs and can tag specific users in comments. Formal Documentation Generate formal PDF proof reports capturing all client feedback and project decisions. Track project actions automatically and maintain complete records of the review process. Multi-Format Support Review various creative file types including images, documents, and designs with accurate rendering for precise feedback. Version Comparison Compare different design versions to track changes and ensure feedback implementation between iterations. Key Integrations Adobe Creative Cloud Upload files and check projects directly in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign using the official Adobe Creative Cloud Extension. Zapier Connectivity Connect to 5,000+ apps from Zapier catalogue and build custom workflow templates for automated data exchange with business tools. Shopify Integration Designed for print-on-demand stores. Create projects for order numbers, upload designs, share with customers, and get feedback on mockups instantly. API Access Integrate with custom applications and existing business systems through comprehensive API access. Slack Integration Receive timely updates and notifications about project progress, comments, and approval status in team Slack channels. How It Works Create projects and upload creative assets. Invite stakeholders via email or shareable links. Reviewers add visual annotations and comments directly on designs through web browsers. Projects move through defined approval stages based on feedback. Upload new versions that replace previous iterations while maintaining project history. Once approvals are collected, projects reach completion with formal documentation available. Professional Workflow Management Approval Studio eliminates email-based review inefficiencies. Everything centralizes in one platform with clear visual project status indicators. Serves creative agencies, in-house marketing teams, e-commerce operations, and organizations requiring professional creative workflow management. Streamlines the entire process from initial concept review to final approval. Mobile Access Access complete Approval Studio workspace from iPhone and iPad. Review projects, add comments, approve designs, and manage workflows from anywhere with seamless sync between mobile and web version. Transform creative collaboration with organized workflow management and professional design review capabilities.

Screenshots

Backlog by Time Engine4 screens
Approval Studio4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Backlog by Time Engine at every 3 weeks against Approval Studio's every 10 months. Backlog by Time Engine also leads on iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18.4). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Backlog by Time Engine ships an update every 3 weeks, Approval Studio every 10 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences ยท 4 level
Backlog by Time Engine versus Approval Studio: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBacklog by Time EngineApproval Studio
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks โ€” betterEvery 10 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad โ€” better
Requires iOS16.4 โ€” better18.4
Further details โ€” not scored
Size3 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer100-8 StudioHiTech Service LLC

In-app purchases

None

Backlog by Time Engine

No in-app purchases

None

Approval Studio

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Backlog by Time Engine free?
Backlog by Time Engine is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Approval Studio free?
Approval Studio is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Backlog by Time Engine or Approval Studio have ads?
Neither Backlog by Time Engine nor Approval Studio shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Backlog by Time Engine or Approval Studio?
Backlog by Time Engine ships an update every 3 weeks, and Approval Studio every 10 months. Most recently, Backlog by Time Engine was updated on October 7, 2026 and Approval Studio on October 18, 2026.

Other comparisons