Comparison

LVL2 vs Apprentice

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

Head to head
About

LVL2

Manage your creative business with a comprehensive booking and client management platform. Streamline appointments, handle payments, and utilize AI assistance to simplify operations for independent artists and service providers.

Highlights
  • Custom booking page with personal link
  • Per-service intake forms
  • Flash design management with instant checkout
  • Instant payment collection via Stripe
  • AI booking assistant (LVL2BOT)
  • Client relationship management (CRM)
  • Real-time analytics and revenue tracking
Features
Read full description

LVL2 is the studio management app built by a tattoo artist, for tattoo artists. Stop chasing DMs and juggling spreadsheets — run your whole business from one place. BOOKING REQUESTS Clients submit booking requests through your branded profile. You approve, deny, or counter. No DMs, no back-and-forth — just organized intake. CALENDAR & SCHEDULING Manage your schedule, block out time, and keep every appointment in one calendar. See everything at a glance and book clients yourself when needed. DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS Require deposits before you start drawing. Collect via Stripe — cards, Apple Pay, and cash. Stripe Connect keeps your payouts on time. FLASH DROPS List flash designs with prices. Clients claim them and pay deposits right away. Run timed drops, manage availability, and fill your schedule with ready-to-go work. CLIENT CRM Every client has a record — past sessions, tags, notes, and contact info. Know who your regulars are and reach out when you have openings. CREATIVE STUDIO Generate social posts, flash announcements, and promo content with AI tools built for tattoo artists. Go from idea to post in minutes. AUTO-MESSAGES Set up automated messages that go out before appointments, after sessions, or on any trigger you choose. Keep clients informed without lifting a finger. STENCIL LAB Build better stencils with comparison tools and share them with clients before their session. Fewer surprises, smoother day-of. ARTIST SHOP Sell prints, merch, and digital products straight from your profile. Cart, checkout, and order management included — no third-party store needed. KIOSK MODE Turn an iPad into a self-service check-in terminal. Clients sign waivers, join waitlists, and pay — all without staff intervention. CONVENTION MODE Run your booth at conventions with a live queue, QR check-in, and slot management. Keep the line moving and book walk-ins on the spot. REFERRALS & REVIEWS Built-in referral program and review collection. Grow through word of mouth and build your reputation automatically. LVL2 is available on iOS and Android. Free to get started — designed to grow with you.

About

Apprentice

Features
Read full description

Apprentice is booking software for tattoo artists, piercers, PMU artists and the shops they work in. We didn't start with software. We started at a front desk in Philadelphia, watching a shop run on DMs, a paper book and a group chat. Missed replies became lost bookings. No-shows ate whole days. So we built the tool that shop needed. FOR ARTISTS • One booking link. Clients pick a time, share their idea and pay a deposit in one go. • Deposits up front. Set your amount and policy. No-shows stop costing you the day. • One inbox. Every client message lives with its project, so nothing slips. • Your calendar, your rules. Set hours, buffers and session lengths that fit how you work. • Reminders that go out for you, so clients show up ready. FOR SHOPS • A live reception board with every artist, walk-in and appointment. • Kiosk check-in for walk-ins and consent. • Each artist keeps their own calendar and link. You see the whole shop. WHY ARTISTS SWITCH • Free to start. No credit card. • 0% booking fees on deposits. • Set up in about 5 minutes. Questions? Reach us in the app. A real person answers. Terms of Use: https://useapprentice.com/terms Privacy Policy: https://useapprentice.com/privacy

Screenshots

LVL24 screens
Apprentice4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Apprentice at every 9 days against LVL2's every 4 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. LVL2 sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $49.99 per month and Apprentice sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

LVL2 ships an update every 4 months, Apprentice every 9 days. Both last shipped on October 7, 2026.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
LVL2 versus Apprentice: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLVL2Apprentice
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (8 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings8 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.115.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size59 MB70 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperRussell CainBeSavee, Inc.

In-app purchases

5 purchases

LVL2

Subscriptions2
  • LVL2 Pro$49.991 Month
  • LVL2 Studio$99.991 Month
One-time3
  • Stencil Starter$19.99
  • Stencil Growth$49.99
  • Stencil Studio$149.00
4 purchases

Apprentice

Subscriptions4
  • Apprentice Pro14 Days trial$24.991 Month
  • Apprentice Shop Pro14 Days trial$59.991 Month
  • Apprentice Pro14 Days trial$239.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Apprentice Shop Pro14 Days trial$579.991 Year

Questions

Is LVL2 free?
LVL2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Apprentice free?
Apprentice is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do LVL2 or Apprentice have ads?
Neither LVL2 nor Apprentice shows ads.
Which is updated more often, LVL2 or Apprentice?
LVL2 ships an update every 4 months, and Apprentice every 9 days. Most recently, LVL2 was updated on October 7, 2026 and Apprentice on October 7, 2026.

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