MARLVEL

Make: Magazine vs its rivals

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

Make: Magazine
This App
Wood Magazine
Nemesis
FineScale Modeler
Contender
Woodsmith
Contender
Model Engineer & Workshop
Contender
Inside Crochet
Contender
織女日記 | Vega Knit
Peer
Stash Hub
Peer
Complete Cross Stitch Patterns
Peer
DIY Home Projects Ideas
Peer
Core Identity
DeveloperMake Community, LLCMeredith CorporationFlying Media Group, LLCActive Interest Media, IncMortons Media Group LtdPocketmags.comhauserHuge Tooth StudiosFOREFOMobway Solutions SRL
CategoryLifestyleLifestyleLifestyleMagazines & NewspapersReferenceLifestyleTools-Art & DesignLifestyle
PlatformiOSiOSiOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSAndroidiOS
Store Metrics
Rating2.0 / 54.7 / 51.5 / 53.7 / 55.0 / 54.9 / 54.0 / 5-3.8 / 53.7 / 5
Ratings Count25131233115378-8524
PriceFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateJan 20, 2014May 1, 2014May 24, 2013Aug 25, 2018Dec 12, 2012Oct 20, 2012Mar 19, 2026-Oct 26, 2022Feb 23, 2016
Last UpdatedJun 3, 2026Feb 21, 2026Feb 18, 2026Jan 23, 2026Feb 12, 2025Dec 22, 2025Apr 29, 2026-Jan 3, 2026Feb 28, 2018
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentnegative-negative-------
Score20/100-20/100-------
Praises----------
Complaints----------
Requests----------
Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Strong brand identity within the hacker and DIY-tech community
  • Deep technical content library for electronics and robotics
  • Editorial authority in woodworking plans provides high switching costs for serious hobbyists.
  • Unbiased, expert-tested kit reviews provide a critical purchasing guide for high-intent hobbyists.
  • Detailed illustration library provides clear construction guidance for beginners.
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  • Specialized cross-stitch focus provides a clutter-free experience
  • Free access model removes the entry barrier for casual hobbyists
  • User-submitted content model functions as a low-cost, scalable content acquisition engine
  • Push notification loop drives re-engagement for new how-to guides
Weaknesses
  • 2.04 rating on iOS indicates severe stability issues
  • Lack of offline reading mode limits utility in workshop environments
  • Subscription-only access model restricts the user acquisition funnel compared to ad-supported DIY competitors.
  • 1.48-star rating indicates poor app stability and reading experience.
  • Transactional issue-purchase model lacks recurring value compared to subscription-based rivals.
  • 3.03 rating on Android indicates technical stability issues.
  • No cloud-save functionality for user progress.
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  • Static image-only content lacks instructional depth
  • No offline mode limits utility in remote workshop settings
  • Ad-supported model creates friction during project viewing
  • 3.7-star rating indicates poor user satisfaction
  • No offline access prevents usage during hands-on crafting
  • Premium tier missing limits monetization potential
Pricingsubscriptionsubscriptionfreemiumsubscriptionfreemiumsubscriptionfree-freefree
MomentumMaintenanceMaintenanceMaintenanceMaintenanceSteady-Intense-ZombieZombie
Update Cadence1 versions5 versions, ~63d avg5 versions, 3 majors/6mo, ~633d avg5 versions, ~50d avg5 versions-5 versions-1 versions1 versions

Compare Make: Magazine 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 Make: Magazine, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

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Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0