# Filterloop vs Sparkle Effects

The clearest difference is monetization model: Sparkle Effects at free with in-app purchases against Filterloop's subscription. Sparkle Effects also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.6). Filterloop's advantage is review sentiment (75% vs 52%) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 6 months). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Filterloop sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Sparkle Effects sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.3 for Filterloop against 4.4 for Sparkle Effects. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 13K and 10K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 75% of Filterloop's written reviews are positive against 52% of Sparkle Effects's.

Filterloop ships an update every 2 months, Sparkle Effects every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Filterloop | Sparkle Effects |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (13K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/filterloop-photo-editor/id694431263/reviews) | **[4.4 (10K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sparkle-effects-glitter-fx/id1333449781/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **13K** | 10K |
| Positive reviews | **74.6% of reviews** | 52.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 317 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [WONDER](https://appshunter.io/developer/1629461058) | [Grassapper LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/667890727) |

## What reviewers say

### Filterloop

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/filterloop-photo-editor/id694431263)

This app offers a comprehensive suite of tools for photo editing, allowing users to make precise adjustments and apply a wide range of creative filters. Recreate vintage analog effects, explore modern glitch art, and develop a unique editing style with layered effects and adjustable opacity.

**Highlights:** Precise image adjustments (saturation, contrast, hue, etc.), Analog photo effects (light leaks, emulsion, grain), Glitch art and distortion effects, Customizable filter packs with adjustable opacity, Layering of effects and filters, Easy sharing to social media

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

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Filterloop Premium Membership | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Plan | $15.99 | per month |
| Monthly Plan | $20.99 | per month |
| Yearly Plan | $35.99 | per year |
| Filterloop Premium (Quarterly) | $39.99 | per 3 months |
| Yearly Plan | $40.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $40.99 | per year |
| Half-Yearly Plan | $49.99 | per 6 months |
| Yearly Plan | $59.99 | per year |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |
| Filterloop Premium | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Easy to use
- 🎨 Great filters and editing tools
- 💫 Unique and creative effects
- 🖼️ Helps improve photo quality

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Aggressive monetization with ads and paywalls
- 🔄 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔒 Lack of functionality in free version
- 🔍 Confusing navigation and UI

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when trying to save edited photos
- Purchased filters and features not working
- Inability to restore previous purchases
- Inconsistent app behavior across devices

**Requested features**

- More free filters and editing options
- Ability to save custom filter presets
- Improved stability and performance
- Better customer support


### Sparkle Effects

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sparkle-effects-glitter-fx/id1333449781)

Easily add dazzling sparkle and glitter effects to your photos and videos. Capture new moments live or upload existing media from your gallery. Customize effect intensity and aspect ratio for the perfect touch.

**Highlights:** Add sparkle and glitter effects, Capture live photos and videos, Upload from gallery, Change sparkle effects, Adjust effect intensity, Share to social media

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove ads & watermark | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock additional effects | $2.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Import | $2.99 | one-time |
| Purchase everything | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💎 Sparkle effects
- 🎨 Variety of filters

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Excessive in-app purchases
- 🔒 Locked features behind paywall
- 🤖 Forced 5-star reviews
- 🚫 Inability to upload photos
- 🔍 Poor quality/performance

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on photo upload
- Inconsistent feature availability

**Requested features**

- Ability to customize sparkle placement
- Improved photo editing tools
- Removal of forced 5-star reviews


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Filterloop free?

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

### Is Sparkle Effects free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Filterloop or Sparkle Effects?

Sparkle Effects is rated higher. Filterloop averages 4.3 out of 5 from 13K ratings, while Sparkle Effects averages 4.4 from 10K ratings.

### Do Filterloop or Sparkle Effects have ads?

Filterloop shows ads; Sparkle Effects does not.

### Which is updated more often, Filterloop or Sparkle Effects?

Filterloop ships an update every 2 months, and Sparkle Effects every 6 months. Most recently, Filterloop was updated on October 21, 2026 and Sparkle Effects on October 20, 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.*