# GradientMaker vs Highlights Cover Maker

The clearest difference is rating: Highlights Cover Maker at 4.9 against GradientMaker's 3.7. Highlights Cover Maker also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 32 months) and ratings volume (2.9K vs 9). GradientMaker's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 84%) and iOS requirement (8.1 vs 13.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. GradientMaker sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Highlights Cover Maker sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Highlights Cover Maker holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Highlights Cover Maker has 2.9K ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 100% of GradientMaker's written reviews are positive against 84% of Highlights Cover Maker's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

GradientMaker ships an update every 32 months, Highlights Cover Maker fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GradientMaker | Highlights Cover Maker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gradientmaker-pro-image-fx/id984991828/reviews) | **[4.9 (2.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/highlights-cover-maker-blip/id1459962627/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 9 | **2.9K** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 84.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 32 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 27 MB | 53 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.1** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [orbosphere](https://appshunter.io/developer/557069087) | [ChelleStudio LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1459962626) |

## What reviewers say

### GradientMaker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gradientmaker-pro-image-fx/id984991828)

Create stunning color gradients and blur effects for photos and wallpapers. Customize colors with an advanced picker and import images to apply unique effects. Save creations in wallpaper or full image sizes.

**Highlights:** Customizable color gradients, Adjustable blur effects, Import photos for customization, Wallpaper creation mode, Random gradient generation, Dual sizing modes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $0.99 | one-time |


### Highlights Cover Maker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/highlights-cover-maker-blip/id1459962627)

Create unique and professional-looking Instagram Story Highlight covers with a vast library of icons and styles.  Enhance your profile's aesthetic and attract more followers with custom designs and seasonal options.  Also includes tools for creating a link-in-bio page and fancy bio fonts.

**Highlights:** 1000+ unique icons, 500+ style combinations, Square format saving, Seasonal stickers, Link-in-bio webpage creator, Fancy bio fonts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Access 1 Week | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Access 1 Week | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Access 1 Month | $7.99 | per month |
| Premium Access 3 Months | $17.99 | per 3 months |
| Premium Access 6 Months | $42.99 | per 6 months |
| Premium Access 1 Year | $74.99 | per year |
| Story Highlight Cover | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🎨 Beautiful options
- 💰 Free items available
- 🤩 Awesome
- 🙌 Great app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Most items require payment
- 📦 Limited icon options
- 🙅‍♀️ Impossible to delete
- 🤔 Disappointing
- 🙄 Square covers look terrible

**Reported bugs**

- Icons won't save to gallery
- Compatibility issues with older devices

**Requested features**

- More icon options, especially for holidays and seasons
- Guide with names of cities matching icons
- Bring back old icon styles


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GradientMaker free?

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

### Is Highlights Cover Maker free?

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

### Which has better reviews, GradientMaker or Highlights Cover Maker?

Highlights Cover Maker is rated higher. GradientMaker averages 3.7 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Highlights Cover Maker averages 4.9 from 2.9K ratings.

### Do GradientMaker or Highlights Cover Maker have ads?

Both GradientMaker and Highlights Cover Maker show ads.

### Which is updated more often, GradientMaker or Highlights Cover Maker?

GradientMaker ships an update every 32 months, and Highlights Cover Maker fortnightly. Most recently, GradientMaker was updated on October 1, 2026 and Highlights Cover Maker on October 10, 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.*