Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

FaceApp vs Prequel

FaceApp 4.7★ · Free + IAP 70
Winner Tie
Prequel 4.7★ · Free + IAP 70

Prequel offers more robust video editing and creative effects, but FaceApp provides more natural-looking photo enhancements, making the choice dependent on primary use.

Full reviews: FaceApp · Prequel

FaceApp excels at natural-looking photo retouching and enhancements, but many users are frustrated by its aggressive paywall and removal of popular video features. Prequel offers a wider range of creative photo and video effects, but its 'credits' system for AI features, even for paid subscribers, is a major point of contention.

Head to head

Features and Effects tieR3R5R6R14
FaceApp FaceApp is praised for its ability to provide minor touch-ups or full glam, making users feel like professional photographers R14. It offers advanced tools and natural-looking filters for enhancing photos . However, many users lament the removal of popular video editing features, such as live video filters and the young/old filters for video R5R6R37R43. Some users also note a lack of specific tools, like for eyebrow gaps R3, and issues with face swap accuracy .
Prequel Prequel is highly valued for its diverse effects and templates, making it a strong tool for creative photo and video editing . Users appreciate the ability to save various presets . However, a significant number of users express frustration with the new AI features, stating they often look fake or excessive and that some AI templates duplicate photos .
Ease of Use and Reliability tieR13R21R34R40
FaceApp FaceApp is generally considered very easy to use for retouching pictures R40. However, users report significant bugs, including the app stopping edits after a certain number of uses, even for paying subscribers R53. Retouching can be slow and inaccurate, leading to smudging and dullness R13. The app also consumes a lot of storage R21 and frequently prompts for reviews R34.
Prequel Prequel is praised for its user-friendly interface and ease of understanding its templates . However, it is plagued by numerous bugs, with users reporting the app freezing during multi-photo editing , crashing frequently , and being extremely slow to load or save . Some users also find the new layout confusing and dislike that presets cannot be edited .
Price and Value tieR1R10R16R18
FaceApp FaceApp is criticized for having too many features behind a paywall, with many users feeling that most good effects require a 'pro' subscription R18. Some users report being charged immediately for free trials or for services that were previously free R16R39. There are also complaints about limitations on the number of photos that can be processed even with a subscription R1R10R53.
Prequel Prequel faces widespread criticism for its pricing model, particularly the 'credits' system for AI features, even for premium subscribers R63R64R66R67. Users feel misled by subscriptions that don't cover all features and find the weekly or yearly costs expensive R70. Some report being charged immediately for trials R70R111.
Support and Transparency edge: PrequelR16R39R53R64
FaceApp FaceApp users report sending multiple emails about bugs without resolution R53. There are complaints about the lack of transparency regarding free trials and charges R16R39.
Prequel Prequel users describe the app's marketing as 'bait and switch' and 'borderline criminal behavior' due to the hidden costs of AI credits after purchasing a subscription R64. Users also report issues with refunds and being unable to address billing problems R70. The trial process is seen as misleading, with immediate charges for yearly options R111.
Pick FaceApp if

you prioritize natural-looking photo enhancements and minor touch-ups, and are willing to navigate its subscription model for these core features R14.

Pick Prequel if

you are looking for a wide range of creative photo and video effects, templates, and are comfortable with a complex pricing structure that includes additional 'credits' for AI features .

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of recent negative reviews, primarily concerning their pricing models and the perceived lack of value for money, especially regarding 'pro' features or additional 'credits'. FaceApp's negative reviews also highlight the removal of popular video features, while Prequel's focus on AI features is a source of both praise and frustration.

Frequently asked

Does FaceApp offer video editing?
FaceApp previously offered video editing features, including live video filters and age transformation filters, but many users report these popular features have been removed R5R6R37R43.
Do I need to pay for Prequel's AI features even with a subscription?
Yes, Prequel requires users to purchase additional 'credits' to use many of its AI features, even if they have an active premium subscription R63R64R66R67.
Are the free trials for these apps truly free?
Users for both FaceApp and Prequel report issues with free trials, with some claiming they were charged immediately or unexpectedly after signing up, especially for yearly subscription options R16R39R70R111.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R3] FaceApp 3/5 · US Z: Why isn’t there a feature for people who have gaps between their eyebrows? There isn’t a tool for that!
  2. [R5] FaceApp 5/5 · US FaceApp Video: It’s perfect App. But we need for Video! Pleeeeease 🙏🙏🙏
  3. [R6] FaceApp 3/5 · US Bring back the live video filter!: I love this app BUT eliminating the live video filter was a super bad move. I’m not sure why this was done but it would be so much better if they brought it back.
  4. [R14] FaceApp 5/5 · US LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!: This app is AWESOME! I love that I’m able to do just minor touch ups OR go full on Kardashian Glam 😍 It’s a fun little app, especially when paired with my other photo editing apps/iPhone edits. It gives me the ability/makes me feels like Im a real photographer these days! Lol I’ve gotten rid of most of my subscription apps but I’ll keep this one FOREVER 🙌🏾…. As long as the price
  5. [R13] FaceApp 1/5 · US Retouching: Retouching is much too slow and needs tweaking for accuracy. Often get smudging and dullness.
  6. [R21] FaceApp 3/5 · GB 43gb Somehow: It’s great for what it is but this thing uses up storage like nothing I’ve seen
  7. [R34] FaceApp 1/5 · US Keeps asking to write a review: Doesn’t stop asking to review the app even though I already wrote a review. Now you’re getting a bad review. STOP
  8. [R40] FaceApp 5/5 · US Great app: I absolutely love this app. Very easy to use and retouches my pictures perfectly.
  9. [R1] FaceApp 1/5 · US Too many requests and it doesn't allow processing: Please remove the limit on the number of photos that can be processed. · translated
  10. [R10] FaceApp 1/5 · US Bugs: Useless app because you can't edit many pics
  11. [R16] FaceApp 1/5 · US Would like to have free for 3 days before I buy: Not sure might be scam to get your credit card number..
  12. [R18] FaceApp 3/5 · GB Decent app: This is a nice app but too little free features
  13. [R39] FaceApp 1/5 · US SCAM SCAM: Was charged over $21 for the ONE WEEK FREE TRIAL!! It’s a scam!!! And they won’t return your money after click
  14. [R53] FaceApp 1/5 · US THE BUGS ARE RIDICULOUS: I pay for this app and use it daily for work because I love it BUT after a certain amount of edits, EVERY SINGLE DAY, it stops and says I have used the app too much!! How can I use an app too much?? And an app that I PAY FOR?! I am OVER IT!! If it wasn’t for that, I’d give it way more stars but it happens non stop!! I have sent multiple emails and it continues to happen.
  15. [R64] Prequel 1/5 · US Borderline Criminal Behavior: Bait and Switch: So yeah, the app is cool but they’re using the most disgustingly unethical marketing tactics. They present the features and prompt you to purchase a full subscription, and as soon as you do, you’re informed about AI credits (over 80% of the platform uses AI credits). Now every generation that you create consumes anywhere from 20 to 60 credits. And get
  16. [R37] FaceApp 2/5 · US please look at this suggestion!: Could you please reconsider bringing back the video option with the young and old filters? I believe it would greatly boost your app's popularity. Honestly, that was the best feature, and reintroducing it would make the app much more appealing🥹🥹🥹
  17. [R43] FaceApp 1/5 · US No videos?: Why can’t we do videos anymore?
  18. [R63] Prequel 3/5 · US The credit system is Sucks: One of the best photo editing apps I’ve used is perfect, but I have a minor issue with the AI feature. When you use the AI on your pictures, you need to have credits. Initially, we didn’t have these credits, which I understand. It costs to use AI for the app, but I don’t understand why the prices for the credits have increased. They’re now between 30 and 50, and I hate
  19. [R66] Prequel 3/5 · US Sneaky: They don't give a full disclosure that when you pay you're only paying for a certain number of uses. You have to pay more to continue using some effects. It's a fun app albeit a sneaky one.
  20. [R67] Prequel 1/5 · US The new AI features: I’ve had PREQUEL gold for over two years and they started adding AI features. I was getting weekly credits up until I ended up buying credits and now no longer receive free weekly credit credits.
  21. [R70] Prequel 1/5 · US Horrible app it’s a scam: App makes you sign up for trial not telling you they will bill you immediately and then block any refund. They scammed me and each photo generated AI slop when you use it.
  22. [R111] Prequel 3/5 · GB Misleading trial: I wanted to try the app before buying, it says you get a 3 day pass before payment is taken. You get 2 options, pay weekly (expensive) or yearly (better but expensive). I selected yearly as that would be the option i would choose should i wish to subscribe after the trial is up. Be warned they take payment for the year instantly if you select this option. The filters look ok

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store