# Band 9 vs IELTS Prep App

The clearest difference is ads: Band 9 at none against IELTS Prep App's shown. Band 9 also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 79%) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). IELTS Prep App's advantage is ratings volume (694 vs 1) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Band 9 sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and IELTS Prep App sells 15 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Band 9 holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: IELTS Prep App has 694 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Band 9's written reviews are positive against 79% of IELTS Prep App's.

Band 9 ships an update every 9 days, IELTS Prep App monthly. The most recent releases landed on June 10, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Band 9 | IELTS Prep App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/band-9/id6473836786/reviews)** | [4.7 (694 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ielts-prep-app/id6474507150/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **694** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 78.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 116 MB | 195 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Steven Grace](https://appshunter.io/developer/375932674) | [Aleksei Naumov](https://appshunter.io/developer/1011826778) |

## What reviewers say

### Band 9

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/band-9/id6473836786)

Master the IELTS Speaking test with detailed, examiner-level feedback on 18 criteria. Practice unlimited mock tests, receive instant scores and corrections, and track your progress to achieve a Band 7+ score.

**Highlights:** Examiner-level feedback on 18 criteria, Unlimited mock tests, Instant band score and detailed corrections, Progress tracking, 150+ Part 2 topic questions, 30+ proven strategies

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Band 9 Plus | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Band 9 Plus | $9.99 | per month |
| Band 9 Plus | $24.99 | per 3 months |
| Starter | $6.99 | one-time |
| Top Up 900 | $6.99 | one-time |
| Booster | $8.99 | one-time |
| Top Up 2000 | $8.99 | one-time |
| Ace | $24.99 | one-time |
| Top Up 12000 | $24.99 | one-time |


### IELTS Prep App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ielts-prep-app/id6474507150)

Prepare for the IELTS exam with a comprehensive assistant. Improve vocabulary, writing, listening, and speaking skills through interactive lessons, practice tests, and expert strategies. Master all test sections for both Academic and General modules.

**Highlights:** IELTS practice tests, Interactive lessons and exercises, Expert tips and strategies, Writing prompts tool, Reading comprehension exercises, Listening and speaking practice, Vocabulary building resources

**In-app purchases (15)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium Access | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Premium Access + Trial | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Premium Access | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Premium Access + Trial | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium Access + Trial | $12.99 | per month |
| Monthly Premium Access | $12.99 | per month |
| Monthly Premium Access | $14.99 | per month |
| Monthly Premium Access + Trial | $14.99 | per month |
| Annual Premium Access + Trial | $39.99 | per year |
| Annual Premium Access + Trial | $49.99 | per year |
| Annual Premium Access | $49.99 | per year |
| Annual Premium Access | $59.99 | per year |
| Annual Premium Access + Trial | $59.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Premium Access | $79.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Premium Access | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 📚 Comprehensive IELTS preparation materials
- ✅ Well-structured content with clear progression
- 🎯 Realistic exam-like practice questions
- 💡 Helpful tips and strategies for all sections
- 🆓 Free access to extensive exercises

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💳 Premium purchase sync issues with Apple accounts
- ❌ Difficult subscription cancellation process
- 📱 Mobile-only version causes physical strain
- 📺 Excessive ads interrupting learning experience
- 🔧 Buggy ad closing mechanism

**Reported bugs**

- Premium purchase cancels when connecting to Apple account
- Premium status not retained after account disconnection
- No cancellation option visible in app during trial
- Ad close button (X) doesn't appear after watching ads

**Requested features**

- Desktop or web version for longer study sessions
- Improved subscription management within app
- Better ad frequency controls


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Band 9 free?

Band 9 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is IELTS Prep App free?

IELTS Prep App is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Band 9 or IELTS Prep App?

Band 9 is rated higher. Band 9 averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while IELTS Prep App averages 4.7 from 694 ratings.

### Do Band 9 or IELTS Prep App have ads?

IELTS Prep App shows ads; Band 9 does not.

### Which is updated more often, Band 9 or IELTS Prep App?

Band 9 ships an update every 9 days, and IELTS Prep App monthly. Most recently, Band 9 was updated on June 10, 2026 and IELTS Prep App on September 23, 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.*