# Skim vs Instash

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Instash at none against Skim's 4. Instash also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Skim ships an update every 2 weeks, Instash every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Skim | Instash |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skim-micro-learning-cards/id6764439998/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3** | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 10 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [DORUK SAVASAN](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895781498) | [Tanishq Jain](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896529288) |

## What reviewers say

### Skim

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skim-micro-learning-cards/id6764439998)

Transform documents into bite-sized learning cards with AI. Choose from four learning modes, ask questions about terms, and track your progress. Ideal for students, researchers, and professionals.

**Highlights:** AI-generated learning cards, Multiple learning modes (Deep Understanding, ELI5, Memorize, Quick Review), Ask AI questions about document terms, Progress tracking (streak, mastery, accuracy), Supports PDF, Word, PowerPoint, text, and Markdown, No ads or data tracking

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| Ultra Monthly | $13.99 | per month |
| Pro Annual | $69.99 | per year |
| Ultra Annual | $139.99 | per year |


### Instash

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instash-microlearning-content/id6768005995)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Skim free?

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

### Is Instash free?

Instash is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Skim or Instash have ads?

Neither Skim nor Instash shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Skim or Instash?

Skim ships an update every 2 weeks, and Instash every 10 days. Most recently, Skim was updated on October 7, 2026 and Instash on October 1, 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.*