Comparison

SpoolTool vs BamBuddy

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

Head to head
About

SpoolTool

Features
Read full description

SpoolTool is a clean and easy-to-use app for tracking your 3D printing filament en accessories. Keep an overview of your filament spools, materials and remaining weight and accessories, so you always know what you have available before starting a print. Key features: • Track filament spools and remaining weight • Support for common materials like PLA, PETG and TPU • Stock inventory • Accessory inventory • Simple and distraction-free interface • iCloud synchronization SpoolTool+ (optional in-app purchase): • Unlock additional filament materials • Unlock all accessories • Add more brands and detailed filament information • Enable cost calculation features • Configure spool stock locations SpoolTool does not require an account and does not collect personal data. App data can be stored securely using iCloud when enabled on your device. Built with focus on simplicity, privacy and ease of use.

About

BamBuddy

Features
Read full description

BamBuddy is the companion app for your self-hosted Bambuddy server. Monitor and control your Bambu Lab 3D printers from iPhone and iPad — at home over your local network, on the go via your external address. The app switches automatically. MONITOR EVERYTHING LIVE • Real-time status via WebSocket: progress, layers, remaining time • Live camera feed for every printer • Temperatures, fans, AMS units with filament colours and remaining percentages • HMS error messages right on screen CONTROL SAFELY • Pause, resume or stop prints • Print speed and chamber light • Manage the queue: start, reorder, cancel • Archive with favourites and print history STATISTICS • Success rate, print hours, filament usage, cost and energy • Charts per filament type and per printer FREE AND PRO For free you monitor and control one printer with all the features above. BamBuddy Pro (subscription or one-time purchase, 7-day free trial) adds: • Unlimited printers — your whole print farm in one app • AI Print Assistant: ask about your printer, get error codes explained and advice on failed prints — fully on-device with Apple Intelligence, your data never leaves your device • AI Insights: automatic analysis of your print statistics with concrete tips • Smart notifications: instant alert when a print finishes, fails or your printer reports an error PRIVACY FIRST No account, no cloud, no tracking. The app only talks to your own server. Your API key is stored safely in the Keychain. Requires a running Bambuddy server (open source, free). SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION BamBuddy Pro is available as a monthly subscription (EUR 1.99 per month) or a yearly subscription (EUR 14.99 per year, with a 7-day free trial). A one-time lifetime purchase (EUR 29.99) is also available. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. A subscription renews automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period; the account is charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage and cancel subscriptions in your Apple Account settings. Any unused portion of a free trial is forfeited when you purchase a subscription. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://bambuddy.web.app/privacy

Screenshots

SpoolTool4 screens
BamBuddy4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: BamBuddy at 17.0 against SpoolTool's 26.0. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. SpoolTool sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and BamBuddy sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Scorecard1 real difference Ā· 5 level
SpoolTool versus BamBuddy: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpoolToolBamBuddy
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyWeekly—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.017.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB17 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLuc JanssenLourens Alexander Pieter Meek

In-app purchases

1 purchases

SpoolTool

One-time1
  • SpoolTool+$1.99
3 purchases

BamBuddy

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Monthly$1.991 Month
  • Pro Yearly7 Days trial$12.991 Year
One-time1
  • Pro Lifetime$24.99

Questions

Is SpoolTool free?
SpoolTool is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is BamBuddy free?
BamBuddy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do SpoolTool or BamBuddy have ads?
Neither SpoolTool nor BamBuddy shows ads.

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