Comparison

AR Canvas vs DrawInstead

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

Head to head

Fun drawing prompts

About

AR Canvas

Features

Read full description

Introducing CanvasARt, the innovative iOS app that transforms your device into a digital drawing guide! Using your camera, CanvasARt overlays an image onto your view, allowing you to trace and learn art with precision. Choose from a diverse range of categories including animals, kawaii art, people, Mother’s Day themes, and stunning architecture. Plus, explore the art of lettering with over 100 fonts to choose from—perfect for creating personalized messages and designs. Our user-friendly interface ensures that ads never interfere with your creative process, providing a seamless experience. Download CanvasARt now for free and unleash your artistic potential!

About

DrawInstead

Features

Read full description

**Draw Instead** is a simple, playful app that gives you fun drawing prompts to take a quick break, refresh your mind, and refocus your attention. Think of it as a creative reset button for your day. **How it works:** 1. Get a fun prompt 2. Pick a timer (5, 7, 10 or 15 minutes) — or draw freely without one. 3. Grab your paper and pencil (or any medium you like). 4. Try the weekly challenge — new prompts every Monday. 5. Snap a photo of your drawing to save and share. **Examples of prompts:** - *Simple:* “A hedgehog holding an umbrella” / “A fish reading a book” - *Surreal:* “A rabbit jumping between moons” / “A rainbow wearing sunglasses” **Free to use** Draw Instead is free to download and use, supported by occasional ads.

Screenshots

AR Canvas3 screens

DrawInstead3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: DrawInstead at none against AR Canvas's 2. DrawInstead also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 26.0). AR Canvas's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 4 months). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. AR Canvas sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. DrawInstead asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AR Canvas ships an update every 6 weeks, DrawInstead every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 2 level

AR Canvas versus DrawInstead: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameter	AR Canvas	DrawInstead
Price	Free	Free
Update frequency	Every 6 weeks — better	Every 4 months
Ads	Yes	No — better
In-app purchases	Yes	No — better
Devices	iPhone, iPad	iPhone, iPod
Requires iOS	26.0	15.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size	59 MB	37 MB
Age rating	4+	12+
Developer	Alberto Huerdo Alvarado	Utensil Design Workshop LLC

In-app purchases

2 purchases

AR Canvas

Subscriptions2

Gold$4.997 Days
Gold - Yearly$24.991 Year

None

DrawInstead

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is AR Canvas free?

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

Is DrawInstead free?

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

Do AR Canvas or DrawInstead have ads?

AR Canvas shows ads; DrawInstead does not.

Which is updated more often, AR Canvas or DrawInstead?

AR Canvas ships an update every 6 weeks, and DrawInstead every 4 months. Most recently, AR Canvas was updated on November 4, 2026 and DrawInstead on October 30, 2026.