# The Counter++ vs Needle Search Builder

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: The Counter++ at none against Needle Search Builder's 1. The Counter++ also leads on device support (6 vs 1). Needle Search Builder's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks) and ratings volume (5 vs 1). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Needle Search Builder sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $0.99 per month. The Counter++ asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for The Counter++ against 5.0 for Needle Search Builder. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Needle Search Builder has 5 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

The Counter++ ships an update every 3 weeks, Needle Search Builder weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Counter++ | Needle Search Builder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-counter-plus-plus/id6477899752/reviews) | [5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/needle-search-builder/id6791816761/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **5** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Junnosuke Matsumoto](https://appshunter.io/developer/1095584798) | [Kyle Lawlor](https://appshunter.io/developer/6791816764) |

## What reviewers say

### The Counter++

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-counter-plus-plus/id6477899752)

A versatile counter application that synchronizes data across all Apple devices via iCloud. It offers widget and shortcut support for quick updates and automations, along with detailed statistical information.

**Highlights:** iCloud synchronization across devices, Widget and Standby support, Shortcut integration for automations, Statistical information display, Support for all Apple platforms

**In-app purchases:** none


### Needle Search Builder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/needle-search-builder/id6791816761)

This utility assists in crafting precise search queries when standard searches fall short. By answering targeted questions, it generates optimized search strings for platforms like Google, YouTube, and Reddit. It helps refine results by website, file type, date, and exclusions.

**Highlights:** Build precise search queries, Target specific websites, Search by file type, Filter by date range, Exclude unwanted terms, Search Reddit content

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Needle Pro Monthly | $0.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Counter++ free?

The Counter++ is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Needle Search Builder free?

Needle Search Builder is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, The Counter++ or Needle Search Builder?

The Counter++ and Needle Search Builder are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 5 ratings respectively.

### Do The Counter++ or Needle Search Builder have ads?

Neither The Counter++ nor Needle Search Builder shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, The Counter++ or Needle Search Builder?

The Counter++ ships an update every 3 weeks, and Needle Search Builder weekly. Most recently, The Counter++ was updated on October 3, 2026 and Needle Search Builder on October 11, 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.*