# BrushForge vs Gem XD

The clearest difference is rating: Gem XD at 5.0 against BrushForge's 4.4. Gem XD also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and ads (none vs shown). BrushForge's advantage is ratings volume (12 vs 1). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BrushForge sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Gem XD asks for nothing beyond the download.

Gem XD holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BrushForge has 12 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

BrushForge ships an update every 6 weeks, Gem XD every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BrushForge | Gem XD |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brushforge/id6749896227/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gem-xd/id6758357109/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **12** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 43 MB | 39 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Bastiaan Mahieu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1819867426) | [IONIAN](https://appshunter.io/developer/914039206) |

## What reviewers say

### BrushForge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brushforge/id6749896227)

This app helps miniature painters organize their paint collections, convert colors between brands, and build custom color palettes. It offers AI-powered suggestions and works offline, allowing users to focus on their creative projects.

**Highlights:** Instant color conversion across dozens of brands, Scan paint rack to inventory collection, Track owned paints and create wishlists, Build custom painting recipes and palettes, Check model contrast with black & white view, AI-powered color suggestions, Offline functionality

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Tip – Small | $1.99 | one-time |
| Tip – Medium | $9.99 | one-time |
| Premium Lifetime | $14.99 | one-time |
| Tip – Large | $17.99 | one-time |
| Tip – Large | $19.99 | one-time |


### Gem XD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gem-xd/id6758357109)

Enhance team performance and engagement with AI-driven insights and gamified challenges. This app fosters collaboration, tracks progress, and celebrates achievements through personalized coaching and interactive features.

**Highlights:** Behavioral AI Coaching, Team Challenges & Game Modes, Dynamic Leaderboards, Gamified LinkedIn Sharing, Interactive Surveys, Rewards & Recognition, Performance Analytics

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BrushForge free?

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

### Is Gem XD free?

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

### Which has better reviews, BrushForge or Gem XD?

Gem XD is rated higher. BrushForge averages 4.4 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Gem XD averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do BrushForge or Gem XD have ads?

BrushForge shows ads; Gem XD does not.

### Which is updated more often, BrushForge or Gem XD?

BrushForge ships an update every 6 weeks, and Gem XD every 4 weeks. Most recently, BrushForge was updated on September 15, 2026 and Gem XD on September 16, 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.*