# ChipStation vs Firmware Updater

ChipStation and Firmware Updater are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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

ChipStation ships an update every 5 weeks, Firmware Updater every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ChipStation | Firmware Updater |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[1.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chipstation/id6471457714/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2** | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 75 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hangzhou Chipjet Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1715399741) | [Audio Inventions Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1581625435) |

## What reviewers say

### ChipStation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chipstation/id6471457714)

This utility app connects to a home device to resolve printer cartridge issues caused by firmware updates. It offers a small, smart, and simple solution for home and office use, updating chips quickly via Bluetooth.

**Highlights:** Resolves cartridge trouble from firmware updates, Connects to ChipStation Home Device, Bluetooth connectivity, Automatic model reading, Built-in operating instructions, Fast chip updates (approx. 5 seconds)

**In-app purchases:** none


### Firmware Updater

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/firmware-updater/id6754697772)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ChipStation free?

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

### Is Firmware Updater free?

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

### Do ChipStation or Firmware Updater have ads?

Neither ChipStation nor Firmware Updater shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ChipStation or Firmware Updater?

ChipStation ships an update every 5 weeks, and Firmware Updater every 2 months. Most recently, ChipStation was updated on October 24, 2026 and Firmware Updater on October 7, 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.*