# TipStation vs TipBud Tip Tracker for Servers

The clearest difference is monetization model: TipBud Tip Tracker for Servers at free with in-app purchases against TipStation's subscription. TipBud Tip Tracker for Servers also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 weeks). TipStation's advantage is ratings volume (8 vs 1) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TipStation sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and TipBud Tip Tracker for Servers sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for TipStation against 5.0 for TipBud Tip Tracker for Servers. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: TipStation has 8 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

TipStation ships an update every 5 weeks, TipBud Tip Tracker for Servers fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TipStation | TipBud Tip Tracker for Servers |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tipstation-tip-tracker/id6759810068/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tipbud-tip-tracker-for-servers/id6792464541/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **8** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 54 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TipStation LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1880799213) | [Shakti Thakran](https://appshunter.io/developer/1846793582) |

## What reviewers say

### TipStation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tipstation-tip-tracker/id6759810068)

This app helps service industry workers track tips, manage expenses, and gain insights into their earnings. It offers AI-powered coaching, job listings, and community features to maximize income and plan for taxes. All features require a Pro subscription after a free trial.

**Highlights:** Shift and tip logging, AI earnings coach (SAM), Expense tracking for taxes, Earnings insights and analytics, Service industry job board, Community forums, Goal setting and tracking

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TipStation Pro | $5.99 | per month |
| TipStation Pro | $59.99 | per year |


### TipBud Tip Tracker for Servers

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tipbud-tip-tracker-for-servers/id6792464541)

Easily track your hourly earnings by logging tips, wages, and tip-outs. This app calculates your true hourly rate and provides historical data for multiple jobs. Securely back up your data with private iCloud sync and export it anytime.

**Highlights:** Ten-second shift entry, True hourly rate calculation, Customizable tip-out rules, Monthly calendar breakdown, Home screen widget, CSV export, Private iCloud sync

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TipBud Lifetime | $14.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TipStation free?

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

### Is TipBud Tip Tracker for Servers free?

TipBud Tip Tracker for Servers is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, TipStation or TipBud Tip Tracker for Servers?

TipStation and TipBud Tip Tracker for Servers are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 8 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do TipStation or TipBud Tip Tracker for Servers have ads?

Neither TipStation nor TipBud Tip Tracker for Servers shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, TipStation or TipBud Tip Tracker for Servers?

TipStation ships an update every 5 weeks, and TipBud Tip Tracker for Servers fortnightly. Most recently, TipStation was updated on October 13, 2026 and TipBud Tip Tracker for Servers on October 14, 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.*