# HandyHive vs Cortex

The clearest difference is ads: Cortex at none against HandyHive's shown. Cortex also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 6 weeks). HandyHive's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.4). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. HandyHive sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and Cortex sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

HandyHive ships an update every 6 weeks, Cortex every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HandyHive | Cortex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handyhive/id6747218516/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **4** | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 59 MB | 68 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jonathan Amiel Mc Kinley](https://appshunter.io/developer/1779750795) | [ODBS LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1816580215) |

## What reviewers say

### HandyHive

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handyhive/id6747218516)

This AI-powered assistant helps diagnose home repair issues by analyzing photos. It offers personalized advice, tracks maintenance, and provides DIY guides with tool suggestions. An optional Pro version unlocks advanced features and access to professional networks.

**Highlights:** AI-powered photo diagnosis, Personalized AI chat support, Maintenance logging and reminders, DIY guides with tool recommendations, Home health tracking, Access to professional network (Pro)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Plan Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Pro Plan Yearly | $79.99 | per year |


### Cortex

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cortex-ai-chat-assistant/id6760509573)

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Plus Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Monthly | $8.99 | per month |
| Pro Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Yearly | $69.99 | per year |
| 500 Credits | $1.99 | one-time |
| 50 Credits | $2.99 | one-time |
| 150 Credits | $6.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HandyHive free?

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

### Is Cortex free?

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

### Do HandyHive or Cortex have ads?

HandyHive shows ads; Cortex does not.

### Which is updated more often, HandyHive or Cortex?

HandyHive ships an update every 6 weeks, and Cortex every 4 days. Most recently, HandyHive was updated on October 11, 2026 and Cortex on October 7, 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.*