# Dead Format vs Spindle

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Dead Format at none against Spindle's 3. Dead Format also leads on ratings volume (90 vs 13) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Spindle sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Dead Format asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Dead Format against 5.0 for Spindle. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Dead Format has 90 ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Dead Format ships an update every 6 days, Spindle weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and September 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Dead Format | Spindle |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (90 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dead-format/id6741362354/reviews) | [5.0 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spindle-vinyl-tracker/id6763497326/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **90** | 13 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 91 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dead Format LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1793862982) | [Michael Warner](https://appshunter.io/developer/526192220) |

## What reviewers say

### Dead Format

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dead-format/id6741362354)

Organize your vinyl records, buy and sell them in a dedicated marketplace, and explore a comprehensive archive of pressing details. Connect with a community of fellow vinyl lovers.

**Highlights:** Vinyl collection cataloging, Vinyl marketplace for buying/selling, Pressing information archive, Connect with vinyl enthusiasts, Browse community profiles

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none


### Spindle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spindle-vinyl-tracker/id6763497326)

This app helps you journal your vinyl listening experience by tracking spin times, sides played, and your listening habits. It allows importing your collection, noting thoughts during playback, and participating in community challenges. It also integrates with Last.fm for automatic scrobbling.

**Highlights:** Log every spin from Lock Screen, Import collection from Discogs, Track multiple turntables, Real-time listening statistics, Private listening journal, Community listening challenges, Last.fm scrobbling integration

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Medium Tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Large Tip | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Dead Format free?

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

### Is Spindle free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Dead Format or Spindle?

Dead Format and Spindle are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 90 and 13 ratings respectively.

### Do Dead Format or Spindle have ads?

Neither Dead Format nor Spindle shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Dead Format or Spindle?

Dead Format ships an update every 6 days, and Spindle weekly. Most recently, Dead Format was updated on September 28, 2026 and Spindle on September 11, 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.*