Comparison

PackLyst vs PackBrief

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

Head to head
About

PackLyst

Create personalized packing lists for every trip, tailored to travelers, destinations, and activities. Avoid generic checklists and ensure you have everything you need for any adventure.

Highlights
  • Personalized packing lists per traveler
  • Automatic quantity adjustment for trip length
  • Activity-aware suggestions (camping, beach, business)
  • Shared and group item management
  • Traveler profiles for specific needs
  • Family sharing across devices
Features
Read full description

Never forget what to pack again. PackLyst builds a smart, personalized packing list for every trip — tailored to each traveler, the destination, the trip type, and how long you're gone. No more generic checklists or scrambling the night before. WHY PACKLYST • Per-traveler lists — everyone gets their own list, from toddlers to grandparents • Scales with your trip — quantities adjust to trip length automatically • Activity-aware — camping, hiking, beach, business, ski? Tell us what you're doing, where you're going, and who's going with and we'll get you a solid list of things to pack • Shared & group items — one tent and one first-aid kit for the whole family, not four • Traveler profiles — medical needs, dietary notes, and always-pack items remembered • Family sharing — plan and pack together across everyone's devices HOW IT WORKS 1. Create a trip — where, when, who, and what you'll be doing 2. PackLyst generates a personalized list for each traveler 3. Check items off, add your own, and share with the family 4. Arrive with everything you need BUILT FOR REAL TRIPS Family beach week? Solo backpacking trip? A wedding, a business conference, a camping weekend with friends? PackLyst adapts the list to the trip — so a 3-day work trip and a 2-week family vacation never look the same. — Premium is an auto-renewable subscription (monthly or yearly). Payment is charged to your Apple ID; it renews automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the period ends. Manage or cancel anytime in your Apple ID settings. Terms of Use (EULA): https://packlyst.app/terms Privacy Policy: https://packlyst.app/privacy

About

PackBrief

Features
Read full description

Pack for your next adventure with absolute confidence. PackBrief is a smart travel packing list assistant that makes pre-trip organization effortless. By analyzing your trip destination, duration, weather, activities, and luggage constraints, PackBrief automatically generates a personalized, organized checklist tailored to your journey. No more last-minute panic or forgotten essentials. WHY CHOOSE PACKBRIEF? - Smart, Tailored Checklists: PackBrief factors in whether you are traveling for leisure, business, or backpacking, and adapts to hot, cold, rainy, or snowy climates. - Activity-Based Planning: Select activities like hiking, beach days, formal dinners, or swimming and get specialized gear suggestions. - Luggage Constraints: Build your list around carry-on, checked luggage, backpack, or multiple bags. - Priority Filtering: Filter items by importance (Must-Have, Recommended, Optional) to focus on what matters first. - Progress Tracking: A real-time progress bar shows what is packed and what is left. - Private by Design: Your trips are stored on your device and sync privately through your own iCloud account. No PackBrief account or login required. CORE FEATURES (FREE): - Up to 3 trips with the full smart packing-list generator. - Categorized items: Essentials, Clothing, Toiletries, Electronics, Documents, Health, and more. - Add, edit, delete, and prioritize items. - Clean, modern SwiftUI interface that works offline. PACKBRIEF PREMIUM: Upgrade to unlock everything: - Unlimited trips - Outfit Builder - assemble cohesive outfits from your list - Bags & Weight - stay under airline limits with per-bag tracking - Pre-trip Tasks - never forget a critical to-do before you leave - SharePlay Packing - pack together in real time with companions - Packing Templates - save and reuse your perfect list PackBrief Premium is an auto-renewable subscription available monthly or yearly. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. Your subscription renews automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel anytime in your App Store account settings. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://packbrief.com/privacy-policy Get ready for your next journey without the stress. Download PackBrief today and start traveling smart!

Screenshots

PackLyst4 screens
PackBrief4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: PackBrief at none against PackLyst's shown. PackLyst's advantage is iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). On price, 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. PackLyst sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and PackBrief sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
PackLyst versus PackBrief: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPackLystPackBrief
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequency—Every 4 days
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS15.1 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size56 MB26 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJacob HershbergerEmre Durukan

In-app purchases

4 purchases

PackLyst

Subscriptions3
  • Premium$4.991 Month
  • Family$9.991 Month
  • Premium (Annual)$39.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime$99.99
2 purchases

PackBrief

Subscriptions2
  • Premium Monthly$0.991 Month
  • Premium Yearly$6.991 Year

Questions

Is PackLyst free?
PackLyst is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PackBrief free?
PackBrief is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do PackLyst or PackBrief have ads?
PackLyst shows ads; PackBrief does not.

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