# STEELMAN vs Pips!

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: STEELMAN at none against Pips!'s 1. STEELMAN also leads on iOS requirement (9.0 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pips! sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. STEELMAN asks for nothing beyond the download.

STEELMAN ships an update every 22 months, Pips! every 25 months. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | STEELMAN | Pips! |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pips/id1603871264/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 22 months** | Every 25 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 20 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [JS Products, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/673417159) | [Jason Thompson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1603871266) |

## What reviewers say

### STEELMAN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steelman-smartear-lite/id673417156)

This app transforms your iOS device into a sound and vibration detection tool. It helps pinpoint defective or worn parts in machinery and vehicles by analyzing rattles, squeaks, and grinding sounds. Requires additional hardware for full functionality.

**Highlights:** Sound and vibration detection, Pinpoint defective parts, User-friendly interface, Analog/Digital display options, Adjustable sound settings, Informative user guide

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Pips!

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pips/id1603871264)

Generate custom tone sequences for time synchronization, inspired by global broadcast signals. Control frequency, duration, and volume to create unique 'pips' for personal or professional use. Includes presets from international broadcasters.

**Highlights:** Build custom pip sequences, Control frequency, duration, and volume, Use built-in presets, Recreate historical time signals, Generate new tone combinations

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tip Jar | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is STEELMAN free?

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

### Is Pips! free?

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

### Do STEELMAN or Pips! have ads?

Neither STEELMAN nor Pips! shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, STEELMAN or Pips!?

STEELMAN ships an update every 22 months, and Pips! every 25 months. Most recently, STEELMAN was updated on October 2, 2026 and Pips! 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.*