Comparison

SurfaBeam vs Sample This!

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SurfaBeam

Transform any surface into a dynamic display with this intuitive mobile projection mapping tool. Easily map videos, animations, and images onto real-world objects without complex desktop software. Ideal for creators, artists, and event planners seeking powerful visual effects on the go.

Highlights
  • Intuitive mobile projection mapping
  • Map videos, images, and animations
  • Advanced shape library & multi-surface mapping
  • Export maps for professional content creation
  • Precision grid warping with gesture controls
  • Real-time rendering and video sync
  • Multi-media support
Read full description

TRANSFORM REALITY WITH SURFABEAM: THE ULTIMATE PROJECTION MAPPING TOOL Turn your projector into a magic wand. SurfaBeam is the most intuitive projection mapping tool designed specifically for mobile creators, digital artists, and event planners. Whether you are a professional VJ, a creative designer, or just hosting an unforgettable house party, SurfaBeam lets you map videos, animations, and images onto any real-world surface—instantly. Forget complex desktop software, expensive media servers, and heavy hardware. SurfaBeam puts the power of a professional video mapping studio right in your pocket. Connect your device to any digital projector and start warping reality in seconds. This is Projection Mapping made easy, accessible, and powerful. EASY CONNECTION No computer needed! Connect your phone or tablet to any projector using: Wired (Recommended): Use a USB-C to HDMI or Lightning Digital AV Adapter for zero lag. Wireless: Supports AirPlay, Screen Mirroring. WORKFLOW IN 3 STEPS Notice: Advanced features listed below are available via In-App Purchase (Subscription or One-Time). Connect: Link your device to the projector. Map: Drag the on-screen grid to match your physical object (wall, box, or decor). Play: Pick a video or image and watch it warp instantly! KEY FEATURES & CAPABILITIES Advanced Shape Library & Multi-Surface Mapping New in this version! Your creativity is no longer limited to squares. Use our new Multiple Shapes tool to map complex geometries, irregular sculptures, and detailed architectural elements simultaneously. Export Maps for Professional Content Creation Bridge the gap between mobile mapping and desktop editing. Export your mapped layouts directly from SurfaBeam. Use these exports as templates in video editing software (like Adobe After Effects) to design custom content that fits your specific mapping setup perfectly. Precision Grid Warping with New Gesture Controls We have completely overhauled our touch interaction workflow. Fit your visuals perfectly to any shape with our Rebuilt Gesture System. Whether it represents a flat wall or a cylinder, our advanced mesh allows for detailed Keystone Correction and Corner Pinning. Includes a new in-app tutorial for beginners! Real-Time Rendering & Video Sync See your adjustments live! There is no rendering time. As you move the grid points, the projection updates instantly. Features a new Video Synchronization Button to ensure your loops and visuals play back smoothly without stuttering—perfect for live VJ performances. Multi-Media Support Project high-resolution videos, photos, logos, or custom graphics directly from your device's gallery. SurfaBeam handles high-quality playback for crisp, stunning visual effects with transparency control and layering. PERFECT FOR EVERY USE CASE Live Events & VJing: Elevate your DJ set. Use SurfaBeam as a mobile VJ tool to create stunning stage visuals and music visualizers that sync with the vibe , also similar to lazy lighting app. Holiday Digital Decoration: Halloween: Project singing pumpkins, spooky ghosts, or portals onto your windows. Christmas: Map animated snow and festive lights onto your tree or walls without physical wiring. Art Installations & Exhibitions: Project dynamic textures and motion graphics onto sculptures. Create immersive Augmented Reality (AR) experiences visible to the naked eye. Business & Branding Displays: Make your brand pop! Project your logo onto unique surfaces at trade shows or corporate lobbies. A projection-mapped logo grabs far more attention than a TV screen. SurfaBeam is more than just an app; it is a creative revolution. Privacy Policy: https://www.surfabeam.com/privacy Terms Of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula Quick Workflow Video: Watch here: https://youtube.com/shorts/NjB2owlqp-4?si=HZoRPMUXDV8W0w_p

About

Sample This!

Features
Read full description

Experience the giant interactive sampler on the India Art Fair facade with augmented reality. Under "The Future is Born of Art" commission, the facade is envisioned as a giant sampler hosting motifs from embroidery traditions across the globe. Historically, samplers were tools used,often by women, to learn, practice, and pass on embroidery traditions. Today, this facade tells the story behind these motifs merging tradition and technology. Use the app to scan individual motifs to learn the meaning and cultural symbolism behind them. Simply point your camera at the facade and watch the sampler come alive with AR animations. Browse through the motif gallery and learn about the world of embroidery.

Screenshots

SurfaBeam4 screens
Sample This!3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Sample This! at none against SurfaBeam's 4. On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. SurfaBeam sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Sample This! asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SurfaBeam ships an update fortnightly, Sample This! every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
SurfaBeam versus Sample This!: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSurfaBeamSample This!
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.3 (19 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews78.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings19 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size530 MB448 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperOsman Ahsan SheikhAnkit Jindal

In-app purchases

4 purchases

SurfaBeam

Subscriptions3
  • SurfaBeam Pro – Monthly$6.991 Month
  • SurfaBeam Pro – Quarterly$19.993 Months
  • SurfaBeam Pro – Yearly$49.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Pro Access$99.99
None

Sample This!

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SurfaBeam free?
SurfaBeam is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Sample This! free?
Sample This! is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do SurfaBeam or Sample This! have ads?
Neither SurfaBeam nor Sample This! shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SurfaBeam or Sample This!?
SurfaBeam ships an update fortnightly, and Sample This! every 3 weeks. Most recently, SurfaBeam was updated on November 5, 2026 and Sample This! on October 31, 2026.

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