# Characterize vs MapGenie

The clearest difference is rating: MapGenie at 4.8 against Characterize's 4.3. MapGenie also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 68%). Characterize's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 37 months). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Characterize sells 16 one-off in-app purchases and MapGenie sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

MapGenie holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Characterize has 344 ratings behind it against 54, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of Characterize's written reviews are positive against 100% of MapGenie's.

Characterize ships an update every 3 weeks, MapGenie every 37 months. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Characterize | MapGenie |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (344 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/characterize-randomize-names/id706661890/reviews) | **[4.8 (54 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mapgenie-divinity-2-map/id1527801469/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **344** | 54 |
| Positive reviews | 68.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 37 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 295 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Alexander Winn](https://appshunter.io/developer/652547902) | [Magic Lamp Technologies Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/499996104) |

## What reviewers say

### Characterize

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/characterize-randomize-names/id706661890)

Generate unique characters with names, traits, and stats instantly. Explore diverse categories and save your favorites for any creative project. Unlock additional themed packs for even more variety.

**Highlights:** Unlimited name generation, Rich character details (age, traits, etc.), Themed character packs, Save and share creations, Diverse character categories

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

**In-app purchases (16)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Heroes & Villains Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Wizards & Witches Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Gods & Goddesses Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Anime & Manga Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Demons Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Anthros Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Aliens Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Kings, Queens, & Nobles Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Apocalypse Survivors Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Assassins Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Angels Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Demigods Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Dragons Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Fantasy Races Bundle | $4.99 | one-time |
| Mythology Bundle | $5.99 | one-time |
| All Generators | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful for character creation
- 🚀 Great for writers and RPG players
- 💡 Lots of creative and random traits

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive, many features require purchase
- 🐛 Bugs with saving and restoring purchases
- 🔍 Limited free options

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on startup
- Issues with custom generators and editing characters
- Purchased content not unlocking properly

**Requested features**

- More free generators
- Ability to edit and customize generated characters
- Sorting and organization options for saved characters


### MapGenie

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mapgenie-divinity-2-map/id1527801469)

This fan-made map app helps players discover every secret in Divinity: Original Sin 2. It features over 3000 locations across six in-game maps, with categories for quests, items, and NPCs. Users can track progress, take notes, and sync with a website.

**Highlights:** Over 3000 locations, 6 detailed maps, 30 location categories, Quick search functionality, Progress tracking, Note-taking on maps, Website progress sync

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DOS 2 Map PRO Upgrade | $6.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Characterize free?

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

### Is MapGenie free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Characterize or MapGenie?

MapGenie is rated higher. Characterize averages 4.3 out of 5 from 344 ratings, while MapGenie averages 4.8 from 54 ratings.

### Do Characterize or MapGenie have ads?

MapGenie shows ads; Characterize does not.

### Which is updated more often, Characterize or MapGenie?

Characterize ships an update every 3 weeks, and MapGenie every 37 months. Most recently, Characterize was updated on October 6, 2026 and MapGenie on October 5, 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.*