# Shadehopper vs Shade IQ

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shadehopper at none against Shade IQ's 2. Shadehopper also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs weekly) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Shade IQ sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Shadehopper asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Shadehopper against 5.0 for Shade IQ. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 6 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Shadehopper ships an update every 3 days, Shade IQ weekly. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shadehopper | Shade IQ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadehopper/id6769607788/reviews) | [5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shade-iq/id6779827538/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 6 | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 29 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Shadehopper LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896672803) | [Julian Malin](https://appshunter.io/developer/6779827540) |

## What reviewers say

### Shadehopper

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadehopper/id6769607788)

This app calculates walking, running, and cycling routes that prioritize shade. It uses building shadows and sun position to minimize sun and heat exposure, offering three route options for different needs.

**Highlights:** Shade-optimized routes, Workout and loop route modes, Turn-by-turn voice navigation, Street-side shade guidance, Real-time sun and building data

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Shade IQ

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shade-iq/id6779827538)

This navigation app finds the coolest walking routes by prioritizing shade from trees and buildings over the shortest path. It offers real-time recalculations based on sun position and provides weather and hydration stop information. Arrive at your destination feeling more comfortable and protected from the sun.

**Highlights:** Shadiest vs. Fastest route options, Live shade timeline, Elevation profile, Current weather and UV index, Drinking fountain overlay, Voice turn-by-turn navigation, Sun exposure summary

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shade IQ Pro — Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Shade IQ Pro — Annual | $19.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shadehopper free?

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

### Is Shade IQ free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Shadehopper or Shade IQ?

Shadehopper and Shade IQ are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 6 and 6 ratings respectively.

### Do Shadehopper or Shade IQ have ads?

Neither Shadehopper nor Shade IQ shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Shadehopper or Shade IQ?

Shadehopper ships an update every 3 days, and Shade IQ weekly. Most recently, Shadehopper was updated on October 31, 2026 and Shade IQ on October 31, 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.*