# Istar Media vs Cartogram

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Istar Media at none against Cartogram's 1. Istar Media also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.4) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). Cartogram's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cartogram sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Istar Media asks for nothing beyond the download.

Istar Media holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 7 respectively.

Istar Media ships an update every 3 weeks, Cartogram every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Istar Media | Cartogram |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/istar-media/id6472717503/reviews)** | [4.4 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cartogram-map-poster-maker/id6761080139/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **9** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | — | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 33 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ISTAR COMPANY FOR GENERAL TRADING, ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT AND COMMERCIAL AGENCIES LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1717291037) | [Furlan Paolo](https://appshunter.io/developer/1453869375) |

## What reviewers say

### Istar Media

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/istar-media/id6472717503)

This utility app simplifies set-top box reactivation for resellers. It allows users to manage customer data and reactivate devices quickly and securely using MAC addresses.

**Highlights:** MAC address reactivation, Customer data management, Efficient reactivation workflow, Secure information handling, Customizable interface

**In-app purchases:** none


### Cartogram

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cartogram-map-poster-maker/id6761080139)

Create custom map posters of any location worldwide using detailed map data. Design unique wall art with curated themes, customizable layers, and typography, then export in high resolution for printing.

**Highlights:** Explore any location globally, Choose from curated color themes, Customize map layers (roads, water, parks), Add custom typography, Select multiple poster layouts, High-resolution PNG/PDF export

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cartogram Pro | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Istar Media free?

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

### Is Cartogram free?

Cartogram is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Istar Media or Cartogram?

Istar Media is rated higher. Istar Media averages 4.7 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Cartogram averages 4.4 from 7 ratings.

### Do Istar Media or Cartogram have ads?

Neither Istar Media nor Cartogram shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Istar Media or Cartogram?

Istar Media ships an update every 3 weeks, and Cartogram every 2 days. Most recently, Istar Media was updated on October 24, 2026 and Cartogram on October 25, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*