If you have an iPhone or an iPod Touch, you should have the 99-cent App Sniper from Manta Research. I used to spend way too much time searching for new apps or ones on sale but no more. App Sniper saves me time AND money by showing me new apps and apps whose prices have dropped (with a separate tab to show you just the ones that have recently become free).

If you see something you’re interested in, click on it and App Sniper will take you to a detailed description, including screenshots. The description also includes the popularity of the app which is a graph that tells you when the app was released and any price changes since its release. If you want to buy, there’s a buy button that brings you right to that app at the app store.

The thing I may like most of all about this fantastic app is the ability to set up snipes. With snipes you can find the app that you want to buy and set a price you’d like to buy it for.  When/if that app becomes available for that price, App Sniper will let you know, but you have to open App Sniper to find out. I once missed out on a snipe when it was on sale for 24 hours but I didn’t open App Sniper for a couple of days so check often. You can add to your snipes by going to the snipe section or by clicking the snipe icon in the description section of a specific app.

Not only have I saved money by using this app but I have managed to discover great new apps that would have probably gotten lost in the huge App Store shuffle. It is, without a doubt, the number one app on my iPod Touch. It’s even on my icon dock.

The good: saving money, saving time, discovering new apps as they’re released
The bad: From time to time, I’ve tried to buy an app for the price listed on App Sniper and it’s changed when I got to the App Store so double check the price before you buy. Also, you need to open App Sniper to be informed if your snipes are at the price you want them. I think this is more of an Apple problem than that of App Sniper since it can’t work in the background on the iPhone or iPod Touch.
The bottom line: If you like to get new apps for your device, whether you get them free or buy them, you should invest in this fantastic 99-cent app.

Download App Sniper from the App Store