# CutList Optimizer vs StairSmith

The clearest difference is price: CutList Optimizer at Free against StairSmith's $6.99. CutList Optimizer also leads on device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.0). StairSmith's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (every 3 days vs monthly). On rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

CutList Optimizer is free to download; StairSmith costs $6.99 up front. CutList Optimizer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. StairSmith asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for CutList Optimizer against 5.0 for StairSmith. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.

CutList Optimizer ships an update monthly, StairSmith every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CutList Optimizer | StairSmith |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $6.99 |
| Rating | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cutlist-optimizer-linear/id6618137579/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stairsmith/id6767048001/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2** | 1 |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 23 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CutList Optimal](https://appshunter.io/developer/1735455971) | [Taylor Cascino](https://appshunter.io/developer/1882107919) |

## What reviewers say

### CutList Optimizer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cutlist-optimizer-linear/id6618137579)

This app helps optimize linear material cutting to reduce waste and improve efficiency. It uses AI to generate cutting plans for materials like bars, pipes, and rods, suitable for various professional trades.

**Highlights:** Unlimited projects, calculations, and parts, Supports saw kerf width and stock trimming, Multiple stock lengths and material types, Layout minimization, Fractional and imperial unit support, Export cutting layouts to PDF and Excel

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Annual | $9.99 | per year |


### StairSmith

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stairsmith/id6767048001)

This app calculates stair dimensions, checks building codes, and generates cut lists for builders and DIYers. It provides live diagrams, lumber information, and framing square layouts, all without requiring an account or subscription. The tool is designed for efficiency at the workbench and offers print-ready PDFs.

**Highlights:** Live elevation diagram, Print-ready PDF reports, Building code compliance checks, Framing square layout diagrams, Lumber and cut sheet generation, Supports multiple building codes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CutList Optimizer free?

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

### Is StairSmith free?

StairSmith costs $6.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, CutList Optimizer or StairSmith?

CutList Optimizer and StairSmith are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do CutList Optimizer or StairSmith have ads?

Neither CutList Optimizer nor StairSmith shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CutList Optimizer or StairSmith?

CutList Optimizer ships an update monthly, and StairSmith every 3 days. Most recently, CutList Optimizer was updated on October 1, 2026 and StairSmith on September 16, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*