# ZBrush vs Reference Board

The clearest difference is price: ZBrush at Free against Reference Board's $5.99. ZBrush also leads on ratings volume (256 vs 6) and review sentiment (85% vs 70%). Reference Board's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.1) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). On ads there is nothing between them.

ZBrush is free to download; Reference Board costs $5.99 up front. ZBrush sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Reference Board asks for nothing beyond the download.

Reference Board holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ZBrush has 256 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 85% of ZBrush's written reviews are positive against 70% of Reference Board's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

ZBrush ships an update monthly, Reference Board every 4 days. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | ZBrush | Reference Board |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $5.99 |
| Rating | [4.1 (256 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zbrush-3d-model-maker/id6612028716/reviews) | **[4.7 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reference-board-mood-board/id6759159660/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **256** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | **85.0% of reviews** | 70.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | **Freemium** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#166** |
| Size | 1.1 GB | 23 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MAXON Computer GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1438772272) | [Jordan Ruchtie](https://appshunter.io/developer/1530155367) |

## What reviewers say

### ZBrush

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zbrush-3d-model-maker/id6612028716)

Create professional 3D models and digital sculptures on your iPad. This app offers advanced sculpting, painting, and modeling tools with desktop-quality performance, ideal for artists on the go. Seamlessly integrate with desktop workflows for a complete creative experience.

**Highlights:** Pressure-sensitive sculpting with Apple Pencil, 200+ digital sculpting brushes, Advanced 3D modeling tools, Seamless desktop-iPad workflow, High-resolution polygon support, 3D painting without UV setup

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ZBrush Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| ZBrush Annual | $89.99 | per year |


### Reference Board

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reference-board-mood-board/id6759159660)

**Currently charting:** #166 Top Paid · Graphics & Design (US App Store)

This app offers an infinite canvas for visually organizing thoughts and inspiration. Users can drop in various media types, arrange them freely, and zoom in or out to explore connections. Instant search functionality helps locate specific items across all boards.

**Highlights:** Infinite canvas, Visual idea organization, Supports images, videos, quotes, Freeform arrangement, Instant search, Zoom in/out functionality

**Features:** Safari Extension, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ZBrush free?

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

### Is Reference Board free?

Reference Board costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, ZBrush or Reference Board?

Reference Board is rated higher. ZBrush averages 4.1 out of 5 from 256 ratings, while Reference Board averages 4.7 from 6 ratings.

### Do ZBrush or Reference Board have ads?

Neither ZBrush nor Reference Board shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ZBrush or Reference Board?

ZBrush ships an update monthly, and Reference Board every 4 days. Most recently, ZBrush was updated on October 25, 2026 and Reference Board on October 25, 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.*