# RoughAnimator vs ZBrush

The clearest difference is price: ZBrush at Free against RoughAnimator's $7.99. RoughAnimator's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.1) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). On ads there is nothing between them.

ZBrush is free to download; RoughAnimator costs $7.99 up front. ZBrush sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. RoughAnimator asks for nothing beyond the download.

RoughAnimator holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: RoughAnimator has 3K ratings behind it against 268, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 79% of RoughAnimator's written reviews are positive against 52% of ZBrush's.

RoughAnimator ships an update fortnightly, ZBrush monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RoughAnimator | ZBrush |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $7.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.6 (3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/roughanimator-animation-app/id954718244/reviews)** | [4.1 (268 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zbrush-3d-model-maker/id6612028716/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3K** | 268 |
| Positive reviews | **78.6% of reviews** | 52.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Paid | **Freemium** |
| Best chart rank | **#9** | — |
| Size | 31 MB | 1.1 GB |
| Requires iOS | **13** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jacob KAFKA](https://appshunter.io/developer/954718243) | [MAXON Computer GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1438772272) |

## What reviewers say

### RoughAnimator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/roughanimator-animation-app/id954718244)

**Currently charting:** #9 Top Paid · Graphics & Design (US App Store)

Create traditional hand-drawn, frame-by-frame animations on your iPad. This app offers professional-grade tools like unlimited layers, onion skinning, and audio import, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced animators. Export your work in various formats or import it into professional animation software.

**Highlights:** Timeline with unlimited layers, Onion skinning, Audio and video import, Custom brushes, Apple Pencil support, Export to video, GIF, image sequence, Import to professional software

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Smooth animation
- 💡 Useful features like camera and audio
- 👍 Intuitive interface
- 👍 Great for beginners

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes when importing video/audio
- 🐛 Laggy performance with larger projects
- 🐛 Pixelated/blurry drawings when playing animation
- 🐛 Onion skin not working
- 🐛 Brush issues like splotchy lines

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when importing audio
- Onion skin not working
- Pixelated drawings when playing animation
- Laggy performance with larger projects

**Requested features**

- Add transparency support for exports
- Implement a text tool
- Provide more brush options and customization
- Add a ruler/shape tool
- Improve audio handling (record, import, sync)


### ZBrush

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zbrush-3d-model-maker/id6612028716)

Create detailed 3D models and digital sculptures on your iPad. This app offers industry-leading sculpting tools, advanced detailing, and seamless integration with desktop versions for professionals and hobbyists alike.

**Highlights:** Digital sculpting and 3D painting, 200+ pressure-sensitive brushes, Sculptris Pro & Dynamic Tessellation, Live Boolean modeling, 3D Layers for non-destructive editing, Seamless desktop interoperability, Direct export for 3D printing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ZBrush Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| ZBrush Annual | $89.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RoughAnimator free?

RoughAnimator costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ZBrush free?

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

### Which has better reviews, RoughAnimator or ZBrush?

RoughAnimator is rated higher. RoughAnimator averages 4.6 out of 5 from 3K ratings, while ZBrush averages 4.1 from 268 ratings.

### Do RoughAnimator or ZBrush have ads?

Neither RoughAnimator nor ZBrush shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, RoughAnimator or ZBrush?

RoughAnimator ships an update fortnightly, and ZBrush monthly. Most recently, RoughAnimator was updated on November 6, 2026 and ZBrush on November 8, 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.*