# Masterbuilt Classic vs The MeatStick

The clearest difference is rating: The MeatStick at 4.3 against Masterbuilt Classic's 1.9. The MeatStick also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported) and review sentiment (26% vs 16%). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

The MeatStick holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 1.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: The MeatStick has 1.2K ratings behind it against 220, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 16% of Masterbuilt Classic's written reviews are positive against 26% of The MeatStick's.

Masterbuilt Classic ships an update monthly, The MeatStick every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Masterbuilt Classic | The MeatStick |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.9 (220 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/masterbuilt-classic/id895935056/reviews) | **[4.3 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-meatstick/id1353339890/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 220 | **1.2K** |
| Positive reviews | 15.8% of reviews | **26.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 232 MB | 357 MB |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PREMIER SPECIALTY BRANDS, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1281287625) | [Soma Labs LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1353339889) |

## What reviewers say

### Masterbuilt Classic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/masterbuilt-classic/id895935056)

Easily control your Masterbuilt digital electric smoker from your phone. Access a collection of recipes and create integrated shopping lists for your culinary creations.

**Highlights:** Control multiple smokers, Share smoker control, Recipe collection, Integrated shopping list

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to navigate
- 🚀 Clean app
- 🚀 Great addition to the smoker

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Constant connectivity issues
- 🐛 Unreliable temperature readings
- 🐛 Buggy and crashes frequently
- 🐛 Safe mode issues
- 🐛 Difficult to use

**Reported bugs**

- Bluetooth connection constantly drops
- App fails to recognize smoker model
- Temperature and timer settings not working
- Recipe menu crashes app
- Login issues between app and website

**Requested features**

- Ability to set meat probe temperature alarms
- Ability to save/favorite recipes
- Ability to name probes
- Startup mode to burn off before cooking
- Ability to view cooking process history/stats


### The MeatStick

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-meatstick/id1353339890)

This app helps you achieve perfect meat cooking results every time. Monitor and control your meal remotely, ensuring your meat is never overcooked or undercooked.

**Highlights:** Monitor and control cooking remotely, Achieve meat perfection, Prevent overcooking/undercooking, Easy to use interface, Cook juicy and tender meats

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great performance and reliable
- 👍 Perfect meat all the time
- 👍 Game changer!
- 👍 Quality product
- 👍 Straightforward and easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Constant connection issues and slow to get temp
- 🐛 Verbindung bricht ab
- 🐛 Loses connection frequently
- 🐛 Doesn't work, support is terrible
- 🐛 Doesn't work when you need it

**Reported bugs**

- Firmware update issues
- Connectivity problems
- Thermometer inaccuracies
- App crashes
- Stick failures after limited use

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Ability to rename sticks
- Ability to edit past sessions without stick
- Simpler one-press operation to start and stop


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Masterbuilt Classic free?

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

### Is The MeatStick free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Masterbuilt Classic or The MeatStick?

The MeatStick is rated higher. Masterbuilt Classic averages 1.9 out of 5 from 220 ratings, while The MeatStick averages 4.3 from 1.2K ratings.

### Do Masterbuilt Classic or The MeatStick have ads?

Neither Masterbuilt Classic nor The MeatStick shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Masterbuilt Classic or The MeatStick?

Masterbuilt Classic ships an update monthly, and The MeatStick every 3 weeks. Most recently, Masterbuilt Classic was updated on October 23, 2026 and The MeatStick on October 22, 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.*