Beam vs Sketchalyze
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Beam
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This application is a calculator of fixed end reactions in structural analyzer for educational or prototyping uses. Featured items are load designer by touching and drawer to PDF.
Sketchalyze
This app allows users to sketch and analyze structural systems directly on their iPad. It provides instant visualization of analysis results like deformations and section forces, performing finite element analysis in the background. Users can define cross-sections, apply loads, and visualize results for linear and nonlinear analyses.
- Sketch structural systems
- Instant analysis results visualization
- Finite element analysis
- Tabulated and user-defined cross sections
- Truss and beam element types
- Linear and nonlinear analysis
- Load-deflection curves
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Sketch and analyze structural systems on the iPad. In Sketchalyze, Analysis results such as deformations and section forces are visualized instantly, a finite element analysis is performed in the background whenever needed. Features: - Tabulated and user defined cross sections - Truss and beam element types - Line and point loads on beam elements - Listing of model and result data - Share models via email and Facebook - Linear and geometrical nonlinear (load or displacement controlled) analysis - Load-deflection curves for nonlinear analysis - Visualization of kinematic modes for unsufficiently constrained systems - Background image for creating models of structures from photographs or drawings
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Sketchalyze at every 13 months against Beam's every 41 months. Beam's advantage is iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads, 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Beam ships an update every 41 months, Sketchalyze every 13 months. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Beam | Sketchalyze |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (7 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 60.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 7 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 41 months | Every 13 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 10.0 — better | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 6 MB | 15 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Tsutomu Murata | Duy Truong |
In-app purchases
Beam
No in-app purchases
Sketchalyze
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Beam free?
Is Sketchalyze free?
Do Beam or Sketchalyze have ads?
Which is updated more often, Beam or Sketchalyze?
Other comparisons
