# Problem Solving MFG vs XL Sidekick

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: XL Sidekick at none against Problem Solving MFG's 1. Problem Solving MFG's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Problem Solving MFG sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $142.99 per year. XL Sidekick asks for nothing beyond the download.

Problem Solving MFG ships an update every 3 weeks, XL Sidekick every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and June 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Problem Solving MFG | XL Sidekick |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xl-sidekick/id6751604755/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **4** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 34 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lionel Moss](https://appshunter.io/developer/1806356846) | [Vorne Industries, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1835995344) |

## What reviewers say

### Problem Solving MFG

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/problem-solving-mfg/id6503246775)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual Plan | $142.99 | per year |


### XL Sidekick

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xl-sidekick/id6751604755)

Enhance manufacturing productivity with a companion app for XL devices. Enter data, view real-time production insights, and mirror operator displays on your mobile device. Securely access information from anywhere on your plant floor.

**Highlights:** Data entry via action screens, Real-time production data visualization, Operator display mirroring (scoreboard), Secure local network access, Free to use and support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Problem Solving MFG free?

Problem Solving MFG is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is XL Sidekick free?

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

### Do Problem Solving MFG or XL Sidekick have ads?

Neither Problem Solving MFG nor XL Sidekick shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Problem Solving MFG or XL Sidekick?

Problem Solving MFG ships an update every 3 weeks, and XL Sidekick every 3 months. Most recently, Problem Solving MFG was updated on September 14, 2026 and XL Sidekick on June 21, 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.*