# Popdot (Halftone Effect) vs PIXEL86

The clearest difference is review sentiment: PIXEL86 at 100% against Popdot (Halftone Effect)'s 0%. PIXEL86 also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.7) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 months). Popdot (Halftone Effect)'s advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PIXEL86 sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Popdot (Halftone Effect) asks for nothing beyond the download.

PIXEL86 holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PIXEL86 has 40 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of Popdot (Halftone Effect)'s written reviews are positive against 100% of PIXEL86's.

Popdot (Halftone Effect) ships an update every 2 months, PIXEL86 every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Popdot (Halftone Effect) | PIXEL86 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/popdot-halftone-effect/id657300541/reviews) | **[4.7 (40 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixel86-retro-media-editor/id1641007991/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **40** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 12 MB | 87 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.1** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [nedis](https://appshunter.io/developer/435715340) | [Peter Tretyakov](https://appshunter.io/developer/1072835768) |

## What reviewers say

### Popdot (Halftone Effect)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/popdot-halftone-effect/id657300541)

Transform your photos into comic-book style illustrations or dot art with various image effects. This app offers a simple interface for easy use and sharing to popular social media platforms.

**Highlights:** Comic-book style illustrations, Dot art effects, Easy-to-use interface, Share to social media, Save to camera roll, Print option

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### PIXEL86

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixel86-retro-media-editor/id1641007991)

Transform photos and videos with vintage pixel art aesthetics. Apply true black-and-white dithering, custom color palettes, and unique dithering styles to create retro media. Supports video editing and sharing your creations.

**Highlights:** True B/W dithering, Video editing support, Customizable color palettes, Three dithering styles (Natural, Pattern, Flat), Vintage-inspired aesthetics, Social media sharing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| License Discount | $9.99 | one-time |
| Perpetual License | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Popdot (Halftone Effect) free?

Popdot (Halftone Effect) is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is PIXEL86 free?

PIXEL86 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Popdot (Halftone Effect) or PIXEL86?

PIXEL86 is rated higher. Popdot (Halftone Effect) averages 2.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while PIXEL86 averages 4.7 from 40 ratings.

### Do Popdot (Halftone Effect) or PIXEL86 have ads?

PIXEL86 shows ads; Popdot (Halftone Effect) does not.

### Which is updated more often, Popdot (Halftone Effect) or PIXEL86?

Popdot (Halftone Effect) ships an update every 2 months, and PIXEL86 every 5 days. Most recently, Popdot (Halftone Effect) was updated on October 4, 2026 and PIXEL86 on September 30, 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.*