Artsteps vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Artsteps's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Artsteps
This App
Core Identity
DeveloperDataverseSpacetofu LimitedMustafa KulacIsmail MarzoukIsmail MarzoukStoryToys LimitedJiangxi Xinlong Dragon Lion Sports Co., LtdRoximus LimitedAppleFlarial Interactive
CategoryEntertainmentEntertainmentEntertainmentEntertainmentEntertainmentBookUtilitiesGraphics & DesignGraphics & DesignPhoto & Video
PlatformAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOSiOSAndroid, iOSiOSiOS
Store Metrics
Rating5.0 / 54.3 / 55.0 / 50.0 / 54.0 / 54.4 / 54.9 / 54.5 / 52.7 / 54.4 / 5
Ratings Count11820371501,4874,3901,580
PriceFreeFreeFreeFreeFree$0.99FreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateAug 12, 2018Sep 19, 2021Dec 11, 2024Jan 16, 2026Oct 13, 2025Oct 13, 2016Mar 12, 2026Feb 8, 2024Oct 25, 2024Dec 2, 2022
Last UpdatedDec 2, 2024Sep 4, 2025Feb 9, 2026Jan 16, 2026Oct 13, 2025Jun 30, 2017Mar 28, 2026Dec 18, 2025Dec 12, 2025Aug 10, 2024
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentnegativemixed-excellentpositive----negative
Score35/10055/100-85/10085/100----35/100
Praises-
  • High quality abstract and geometric wallpaper designs provide a visually stunning aesthetic for mobile home screens
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  • Extensive collection of abstract wallpaper designs provides high visual satisfaction for users
  • Simple and intuitive application interface allows for quick wallpaper setup on mobile
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  • AI-generated imagery provides creative inspiration for users lacking traditional artistic skills
Complaints
  • High complexity in 3D object placement
  • Subscription model implementation alienates legacy users who previously purchased lifetime access to pro features
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  • Inconsistent image alignment on specific device aspect ratios causes home screen display issues
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  • Deceptive free-to-use marketing hides mandatory subscription paywalls behind functional feature gates
Requests-
  • One-time purchase options requested as an alternative to the current recurring subscription model
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  • Frequent content updates are requested to expand the existing abstract wallpaper library
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Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • VR-immersive exhibition format provides a distinct experience
  • Free access model removes initial friction
  • Exclusive artist-led library creates a distinct brand identity
  • High-fidelity 4K resolution serves premium display hardware
  • Broad thematic library across 20+ categories sustains initial user interest
  • Rewarded ad mechanism effectively monetizes non-paying users without hard paywalls
  • Curated abstract library drives high visual satisfaction
  • Intuitive interface reduces onboarding friction
  • Ad-supported model maximizes user reach
  • Daily content updates drive recurring user visits
  • Specific urban-aesthetic focus creates a cohesive brand identity
  • Globally recognized Eric Carle intellectual property drives immediate emotional resonance with parents.
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  • Image-to-image prompting differentiator sustains a niche for users with specific visual references
  • System-level integration into Messages drives frictionless adoption
  • Fine-tuned concepts ensure consistent output quality
  • Privacy-first architecture builds user trust
  • Thematic art styles drive repeat usage via social sharing
  • Logo creation tool targets professional-side utility for small business owners
Weaknesses
  • 2.68-star Android rating indicates significant UX friction
  • Manual 3D placement workflow is labor-intensive
  • Lack of monetization limits development velocity
  • Subscription model alienates legacy lifetime-access users
  • Technical synchronization errors disrupt the user experience
  • 4.17 rating on Android trails high-end competitors
  • Lack of automated resolution scaling increases user friction
  • No proprietary content or generative AI tools
  • Inconsistent image alignment on specific aspect ratios
  • No automated background rotation features
  • Lack of exclusive artist branding
  • No automated wallpaper rotation
  • 0.8★ rating gap between Android and iOS
  • No cloud-save functionality
  • One-time $0.99 purchase model lacks recurring revenue or engagement loops.
  • Minimal rating count indicates low discoverability and lack of active user base.
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  • Subscription-only model creates a high barrier to entry compared to ad-supported competitors
  • Lack of video generation capabilities
  • No native post-generation editing tools
  • Limited social-sharing features
  • Subscription-only model at point of entry triggers high refund rates
  • Technical instability during generation causes persistent network errors
Pricingfreefreemiumfreemiumfreefreepaidfreesubscriptionfreesubscription
MomentumZombieMaintenanceMaintenanceMaintenanceZombieZombie-IntenseMaintenance-
Update Cadence2 versions, ~3d avg2 versions, ~203d avg2 versions, ~31d avg2 versions, ~39d avg2 versions, ~90d avg1 versions-5 versions1 versions-

Compare Artsteps head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Artsteps, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0