Comparison

CNC Assistant AI vs Toolpath

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

Head to head
About

CNC Assistant AI

Features
Read full description

CNC Assistant is your AI-powered diagnostic companion for Fanuc, Siemens, and Heidenhain CNC machines — built by a real machinist, for machinists. Stop flipping through alarm manuals or guessing what a cryptic error code means. Type it in, or snap a photo of your machine's screen, and get a clear, accurate answer in seconds. WHAT YOU CAN DO Decode Alarms Instant explanations for Fanuc, Siemens, and Heidenhain alarm codes, including likely causes and step-by-step fixes. Explain G/M Codes Quick reference for any G-code or M-code, with syntax and real examples. Analyze Programs Paste your G-code program and get a breakdown of what it does, plus warnings about potential issues. Diagnose via Photo Take a picture of your machine's alarm screen or a part, and let AI help identify the problem. Cutting Calculator Calculate spindle speed, feed rate, and material removal rate for turning and milling, across 8 materials. Machine Profiles Save your machine's specs so answers are tailored to your actual setup. Multi-language Available in English, Slovak, Ukrainian, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Polish. BUILT FOR THE SHOP FLOOR No fluff, no unnecessary screens — just fast, accurate answers when you're standing at the machine and need to get back to work. FREE TO START Ask up to 5 AI questions a day at no cost. Need more? Upgrade to Pro for unlimited AI-powered diagnostics. For machine shops and teams: contact us about company-wide access. Built independently by a CNC operator who got tired of digging through manuals. Terms of Use: https://www.cncassistant.app/#terms

About

Toolpath

Features
Read full description

Toolpath is a workshop assistant for hobby CNC routers and mills — 3018, Shapeoko and other desktop machines. CHECK BEFORE YOU CUT • Open .nc, .gcode, .ngc and .tap files and see the toolpath in 3D or 2D • Simulate the program and scrub through every move • Safety check flags rapids into stock, low Z clearance, a missing spindle start and zero feed — with plain-language fixes • Safety score and a pre-flight checklist built from your file • Share a one-page PDF safety report FEEDS, SPEEDS AND CALCULATORS • Conservative starting feeds and speeds from curated material tables, capped to your spindle • V-bit depth, chip thinning, scallop height, bolt circle, tap drill, unit and job quote calculators RUN THE JOB • Job timer with a Live Activity and tool-change reminders • Log how each cut went and turn good results into reusable recipes • Read-only live monitor for Wi-Fi controllers (FluidNC, grblHAL) — beta YOUR WORKSHOP, REMEMBERED • Machines, tools, stock and maintenance in one library • Syncs through your own private iCloud — no account, no login • On-device assistant answers CNC questions with Apple Intelligence on supported devices LATHES TOO • Reads lathe programs (Fanuc-style, LinuxCNC, grblHAL): G96/G50, feed per rev, G71/G70 roughing, G76 threading shown pass by pass • Checks rapids into uncut stock, the chuck and G96 without an RPM limit • Turning speeds and feeds calculator Values are starting points to test, not guarantees. Always air-cut new files, secure your workholding and wear eye and ear protection. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://yakupad.github.io/toolpath-apple/privacy/

Screenshots

CNC Assistant AI4 screens
Toolpath4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: CNC Assistant AI at 17.6 against Toolpath's 26.0. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. CNC Assistant AI sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Toolpath sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Scorecard1 real difference Ā· 5 level
CNC Assistant AI versus Toolpath: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCNC Assistant AIToolpath
PriceFreeFree
Update frequency—Every 5 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS17.6 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMaksym SyvakYakup Ad

In-app purchases

2 purchases

CNC Assistant AI

Subscriptions2
  • CNC Assistant Pro$3.991 Month
  • CNC Assistant Pro$24.991 Year
3 purchases

Toolpath

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Monthly$5.991 Month
  • Pro Yearly7 Days trial$39.991 Year
One-time1
  • AI Pack (100 questions)$1.99

Questions

Is CNC Assistant AI free?
CNC Assistant AI is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Toolpath free?
Toolpath is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do CNC Assistant AI or Toolpath have ads?
Neither CNC Assistant AI nor Toolpath shows ads.

Other comparisons