# BeadPainter vs ThreadABead Pattern Reader

BeadPainter and ThreadABead Pattern Reader are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Both are free to download. BeadPainter sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and ThreadABead Pattern Reader sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $12.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

BeadPainter ships an update every 3 weeks, ThreadABead Pattern Reader every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and July 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BeadPainter | ThreadABead Pattern Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/threadabead-pattern-reader/id6757329216/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 64 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.1** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Alexandra Duzhinskaya](https://appshunter.io/developer/1802402914) | [DAE TECH LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1888947035) |

## What reviewers say

### BeadPainter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beadpainter-beading-studio/id6746971764)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hobby | $9.99 | per month |
| Pro | $59.99 | per year |


### ThreadABead Pattern Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/threadabead-pattern-reader/id6757329216)

This app is a secure PDF reader designed for bead patterns. It offers tools to easily follow designs, including adjustable markers and navigation aids. A subscription allows importing and reading your own PDF patterns.

**Highlights:** Secure PDF viewing, Adjustable reading markers, Focus Mode, Per-pattern notes, Page thumbnails, Import personal PDF patterns

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Personal PDF Library | $12.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BeadPainter free?

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

### Is ThreadABead Pattern Reader free?

ThreadABead Pattern Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do BeadPainter or ThreadABead Pattern Reader have ads?

Neither BeadPainter nor ThreadABead Pattern Reader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BeadPainter or ThreadABead Pattern Reader?

BeadPainter ships an update every 3 weeks, and ThreadABead Pattern Reader every 5 weeks. Most recently, BeadPainter was updated on September 18, 2026 and ThreadABead Pattern Reader on July 16, 2026.

---

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