# Stick Nodes vs XP Maker

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Stick Nodes at none against XP Maker's 1. Stick Nodes also leads on ratings volume (15K vs 105) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months). XP Maker's advantage is review sentiment (98% vs 85%). On price, rating, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. XP Maker sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Stick Nodes asks for nothing beyond the download.

XP Maker holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Stick Nodes has 15K ratings behind it against 105, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 85% of Stick Nodes's written reviews are positive against 98% of XP Maker's.

Stick Nodes ships an update every 2 weeks, XP Maker every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Stick Nodes | XP Maker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (15K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stick-nodes-animator/id932127902/reviews) | **[4.8 (105 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xp-maker/id6475613532/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **15K** | 105 |
| Positive reviews | 84.5% of reviews | **98.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 123 MB | 108 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ForTheLoss Games, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/932127901) | [David Alvarez](https://appshunter.io/developer/1444697550) |

## What reviewers say

### Stick Nodes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stick-nodes-animator/id932127902)

Create custom stickfigure animations with a user-friendly interface. Import images, add sound effects, and export your creations as GIFs or MP4 videos. Join a vibrant community for inspiration and shared resources.

**Highlights:** Stickfigure animation creation, Image import for animation, Automatic frame-tweening, Camera pan, zoom, and rotate, Movieclips for reusable objects, Sound effects and filters, GIF and MP4 export

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 🎨 Great for beginners
- 💡 Customizable stick figures
- 🎥 Smooth animations

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes
- 🐛 Lag issues
- 🐛 Bugs with importing/downloading
- 🐛 Glitches with certain features
- 💰 Pro version paywall

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when downloading stickfigure packs
- Saving/loading issues with animations
- Nodes/limbs getting stuck or glitching
- Unexpected behavior with certain actions

**Requested features**

- Add tutorial/instructions
- Improve save/export options
- Implement account system
- Expand free version features
- Add drawing/shading tools


### XP Maker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xp-maker/id6475613532)

Design unique pixel-art avatars with a vast selection of items and color variations. Easily create thousands of distinct character combinations and share your creations.

**Highlights:** Create pixel-art avatars, 14 item categories, Color variations, Thousands of combinations, Easy to use interface, Share creations

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Xp Maker Upgrade | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🎨 Great for creating avatars
- ✨ Fun and entertaining
- 🤩 High quality app
- 💖 Intuitive interface

**What reviewers complain about**

-  anúncios when downloading
- 🔒 Many features locked
- 💰 Some content behind paywall
- 💸 Microtransactions for customization
- 🚫 No skirts for free

**Reported bugs**

- Cannot delete a duo concept
- A tiny bug emerged

**Requested features**

- Add movement options (walking, running)
- Basketball app for NBA characters
- More poses for free
- Wallpaper options
- More hair options (anime/series)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Stick Nodes free?

Stick Nodes is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is XP Maker free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Stick Nodes or XP Maker?

XP Maker is rated higher. Stick Nodes averages 4.6 out of 5 from 15K ratings, while XP Maker averages 4.8 from 105 ratings.

### Do Stick Nodes or XP Maker have ads?

Neither Stick Nodes nor XP Maker shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Stick Nodes or XP Maker?

Stick Nodes ships an update every 2 weeks, and XP Maker every 3 months. Most recently, Stick Nodes was updated on October 23, 2026 and XP Maker 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.*