# SPF vs Tan Buddy

The clearest difference is monetization model: SPF at free with in-app purchases against Tan Buddy's subscription. SPF also leads on ratings volume (5K vs 1) and chart position (#65 vs unranked). Tan Buddy's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.6). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SPF sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and Tan Buddy sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Tan Buddy holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SPF has 5K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

SPF ships an update weekly, Tan Buddy every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SPF | Tan Buddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spf-tan-timer-and-uv-tracker/id6744385703/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tan-buddy/id6771720123/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **5K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 31.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#65** | — |
| Size | 212 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.6** | 26.2 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [BluPalms](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699380087) | [7dev](https://appshunter.io/developer/1853634475) |

## What reviewers say

### SPF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spf-tan-timer-and-uv-tracker/id6744385703)

**Currently charting:** #65 Top Grossing · Weather (US App Store)

This app helps you achieve a faster and safer tan by tracking UV levels, providing personalized routines, and reminding you to reapply sunscreen. Monitor your progress and avoid burns with a structured approach to sun exposure.

**Highlights:** Real-time UV level checks, Customized tanning routines, Daily SPF and skincare plan, Sunscreen reapplication alerts, Tan progress tracking, Quick tan timer

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SPF: Weekly Offer Plan | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Offer Plan | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| weekly5.99 | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| SPF: Yearly Offer Plan | $29.99 | per year |
| SPF: Yearly Offer Plan | $47.00 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Helpful tanning routine
- 🚀 Efficient tanning process
- 💡 Free version available
- 👍 Tracks tanning progress

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or glitches

**Reported bugs**

- Compatibility issues with older devices

**Requested features**

- Advanced tanning analytics
- Customizable tanning plans


### Tan Buddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tan-buddy/id6771720123)

This app helps you tan safely by providing personalized sun exposure plans based on UV forecasts and your skin type. It offers guided tanning sessions, nutrition tips, and alerts for peak UV hours.

**Highlights:** UV forecast for prime, okay, and peak glow, SPF and max minutes based on skin type, Guided tanning sessions with timers, Nutrition and practices for skin health, Peak UV alerts, Multi-day UV windows

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly plan | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly plan | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SPF free?

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

### Is Tan Buddy free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SPF or Tan Buddy?

Tan Buddy is rated higher. SPF averages 4.6 out of 5 from 5K ratings, while Tan Buddy averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do SPF or Tan Buddy have ads?

Neither SPF nor Tan Buddy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SPF or Tan Buddy?

SPF ships an update weekly, and Tan Buddy every 2 weeks. Most recently, SPF was updated on October 18, 2026 and Tan Buddy on October 8, 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.*