Build It Magazine vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Build It Magazine's closest competitors: identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Core Identity
DeveloperJellyfish Connect LimitedTaunton InteractiveCONDE NAST (INDIA) PRIVATE LIMITEDMagzter Inc.Flying Media Group, LLCAlexander ClaussMCC MagazinesThe Drive Media Inc.
CategoryProductivityReferenceMagazines & NewspapersMagazines & NewspapersSportsNewsLifestyleSports
PlatformiOSiOSiOS, AndroidiOSiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSiOSiOS, Android
Store Metrics
Rating2.3 / 54.2 / 55.0 / 50.0 / 54.8 / 53.4 / 51.2 / 54.0 / 5
Ratings Count3339203019647
PriceFreeFreeFreeFreeFree$3.99FreeFree
Release DateAug 27, 2010Aug 29, 2012Dec 14, 2021Aug 1, 2012Jun 20, 2013Oct 8, 2008May 3, 2014Jun 9, 2011
Last UpdatedJun 18, 2025Jan 26, 2026Jan 22, 2026Dec 1, 2018Mar 26, 2026Jan 20, 2026May 25, 2024Jan 29, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentiment--negative-positive-negativeterrible
Score--25/100-85/100-20/10025/100
Praises--
  • General app utility provides satisfaction for users who successfully access the content
-
  • High-quality editorial content
--
  • High quality outdoor writing and photography keep long-term readers engaged with the content
Complaints--
  • Payment confirmation failures prevent users from accessing purchased digital magazine content
  • Invalid credential errors block existing subscribers from accessing their digital accounts
-
  • Lack of interactive utility
-
  • Interface stability and reading experience
  • Subscription access failures prevent users from reading issues they have already paid for
  • Application crashes and download failures block access to new and archived magazine issues
Requests-------
  • Integration of print subscriptions to allow free digital access for loyal magazine readers
Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Project-lifecycle focus differentiates content from general trade-technique publications.
  • Cross-platform synchronization via Pocketmags account reduces friction for multi-device users.
  • Technical video library provides deep utility
  • Established brand authority in residential construction
  • Integrated forum fosters community-driven retention
  • Established luxury brand authority in the Indian market
  • AD PRO directory provides unique B2B lead-gen value
  • Localized interior design content provides high relevance for the Indonesian market.
  • Editorial authority in the 25ft+ powerboat segment sustains a high rating
  • Multi-format content integration increases session depth
  • Killfile filtering creates high switching costs for Usenet enthusiasts
  • Graphical tree view simplifies complex thread navigation
  • Trusted editorial voice in the barrel racing niche
  • 12-issue annual library provides deep industry history
  • 128-year editorial authority sustains brand trust
  • Multimedia integration increases session duration
  • Affiliate gear reviews monetize editorial expertise
Weaknesses
  • 2.33★ rating on 3 reviews signals poor initial user reception.
  • Lack of video-first content limits engagement compared to multimedia-heavy competitors.
  • High $37.99/year entry barrier limits acquisition
  • Interface lacks modern mobile-first navigation
  • No free-tier entry point for non-subscribers
  • Critical authentication handshake failures
  • Lack of functional support channel
  • 0-rating on Android platform
  • Premium tier at $12.99/year above category median.
  • No app updates since 2018 creates abandonment perception.
  • Subscription model lacks functional utility tools
  • No cloud-sync for bookmarks across devices
  • Premium price of $3.99 exceeds category median
  • Manual sync configuration via SFTP/WebDAV creates high setup friction
  • 1.17-star rating indicates critical stability issues
  • Static PDF-style interface lacks responsive text support
  • 3.66 Android rating indicates critical stability issues
  • Subscription authentication failures block paid access
  • Lack of responsive customer support drives churn
Pricingsubscriptionsubscriptionsubscriptionsubscriptionsubscriptionpaidsubscriptionfree
MomentumZombieMaintenanceMaintenanceZombieMaintenanceSteadyZombieMaintenance
Update Cadence1 versions, 1 majors/6mo1 versions2 versions, ~0d avg1 versions, 1 majors/6mo5 versions, ~30d avg5 versions5 versions, 3 majors/6mo, ~444d avg2 versions, 2 majors/6mo, ~0d avg

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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 Build It Magazine, 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