# PlanMode vs AsterKey

The clearest difference is rating: AsterKey at 5.0 against PlanMode's 4.3. AsterKey also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ads (none vs shown). PlanMode's advantage is ratings volume (105 vs 18). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PlanMode sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. AsterKey asks for nothing beyond the download.

AsterKey holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PlanMode has 105 ratings behind it against 18, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 77% of PlanMode's written reviews are positive against 100% of AsterKey's.

PlanMode ships an update every 3 months, AsterKey every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | PlanMode | AsterKey |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (105 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/planmode-retirement-planner/id979979311/reviews) | **[5.0 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/asterkeyfinance-manager/id1547179823/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **105** | 18 |
| Positive reviews | 76.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 36 MB | 76 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sawhney Systems](https://appshunter.io/developer/570593131) | [Aster Key, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1547179825) |

## What reviewers say

### PlanMode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/planmode-retirement-planner/id979979311)

This app helps you plan for your financial future by projecting your wealth over your lifetime. It analyzes potential shortfalls in retirement savings and allows you to test various financial scenarios to ensure you have sufficient resources.

**Highlights:** Lifetime wealth projections, Retirement savings gap analysis, Scenario testing for financial decisions, All-in-one financial dashboard, Detailed financial profile integration, Comparison of financial alternatives

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1-Week Premium Activation | $0.99 | one-time |
| 1-Month Premium Activation | $5.99 | one-time |
| 1-Year Premium Activation | $19.99 | one-time |


### AsterKey

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/asterkeyfinance-manager/id1547179823)

This privacy-focused personal finance app keeps all your financial data securely on your device. It offers powerful tools like net worth tracking and financial dashboards without uploading or selling your information. Generate proof-of-funds anonymously and protect your identity with encrypted, ad-free management.

**Highlights:** On-device data storage, Net worth tracking, Financial dashboard, Proof of funds generation, Encrypted data, Ad-free experience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PlanMode free?

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

### Is AsterKey free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PlanMode or AsterKey?

AsterKey is rated higher. PlanMode averages 4.3 out of 5 from 105 ratings, while AsterKey averages 5.0 from 18 ratings.

### Do PlanMode or AsterKey have ads?

PlanMode shows ads; AsterKey does not.

### Which is updated more often, PlanMode or AsterKey?

PlanMode ships an update every 3 months, and AsterKey every 6 weeks. Most recently, PlanMode was updated on October 24, 2026 and AsterKey on October 24, 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.*