# DinkSmart vs PlayerU

The clearest difference is review sentiment: PlayerU at 100% against DinkSmart's 56%. PlayerU also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.9). DinkSmart's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

PlayerU holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 15 and 7 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 56% of DinkSmart's written reviews are positive against 100% of PlayerU's.

DinkSmart ships an update fortnightly, PlayerU every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DinkSmart | PlayerU |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dinksmart/id6745491690/reviews) | **[5.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/playeru/id6768581080/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **15** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | 55.6% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 137 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [DINKSMART, INC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1812519391) | [PLAYERU SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6800973317) |

## What reviewers say

### DinkSmart

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dinksmart/id6745491690)

Connect with pickleball players, join or create groups, and organize games and court bookings. Discover new players based on playing style and find courts near you to play more pickleball.

**Highlights:** Discover players with PicklePersona™, Join or create #Groups, Organize games with match invites, Find pickleball courts with Venue Maps, Track RSVPs and fill open spots

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### PlayerU

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/playeru/id6768581080)

This app guides beginners through pickleball rules and gameplay, helping users track their DUPR rating and improve their skills with expert instruction. It's designed to make learning the sport enjoyable and accessible for all levels.

**Highlights:** Learn pickleball rules quickly, Instant answers to rules questions, Track DUPR rating and progress, Expert-led drills and tips, Improve at your own pace

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DinkSmart free?

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

### Is PlayerU free?

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

### Which has better reviews, DinkSmart or PlayerU?

PlayerU is rated higher. DinkSmart averages 3.9 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while PlayerU averages 5.0 from 7 ratings.

### Do DinkSmart or PlayerU have ads?

PlayerU shows ads; DinkSmart does not.

### Which is updated more often, DinkSmart or PlayerU?

DinkSmart ships an update fortnightly, and PlayerU every 2 weeks. Most recently, DinkSmart was updated on October 6, 2026 and PlayerU on September 21, 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.*