Not all App Store categories are created equal. We ranked every category by average user rating — and the bottom-dwellers tell an interesting story about user frustration, complexity, and missed opportunities.
The chart shows only categories with 100+ apps. Red = below 4.3, yellow = 4.3-4.4, green = above 4.4.
| # | Category | Avg Rating | Apps | Avg Reviews/App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | utilities | 4.25★ | 13,977 | 2,875 |
| 2 | business | 4.3★ | 9,647 | 2,200 |
| 3 | navigation | 4.3★ | 1,728 | 3,078 |
| 4 | entertainment | 4.32★ | 6,949 | 8,443 |
| 5 | photo-video | 4.32★ | 4,832 | 4,095 |
| 6 | medical | 4.37★ | 3,218 | 3,264 |
| 7 | productivity | 4.39★ | 9,101 | 2,194 |
| 8 | travel | 4.4★ | 4,151 | 5,686 |
| 9 | news | 4.41★ | 2,233 | 6,734 |
| 10 | finance | 4.42★ | 6,051 | 14,474 |
| 11 | games | 4.42★ | 24,928 | 17,282 |
| 12 | developer-tools | 4.43★ | 466 | 156 |
| 13 | education | 4.43★ | 12,446 | 1,732 |
| 14 | lifestyle | 4.43★ | 9,990 | 4,309 |
| 15 | music | 4.43★ | 4,243 | 7,131 |
| 16 | sports | 4.43★ | 3,559 | 4,161 |
| 17 | graphics-design | 4.44★ | 1,636 | 1,893 |
| 18 | social-networking | 4.45★ | 3,675 | 19,483 |
| 19 | book | 4.47★ | 1,731 | 2,311 |
| 20 | reference | 4.47★ | 3,279 | 2,359 |
With an average rating of just 4.25★ across 13,977 apps, utilities is one of the most frustrating categories for users.
Common complaint themes: search, update, iphone, safari, browser, apple, google, workout
Lowest-rated popular apps: IQ: how SMART am I? (2.26493★, 47,907 reviews), What does MY BIRTHDAY MEAN?! (2.5667★, 40,579 reviews), Find My (2.8193★, 16,552 reviews)
With an average rating of just 4.3★ across 9,647 apps, business is one of the most frustrating categories for users.
Common complaint themes: update, service, good, does, load, pictures, photos, order
Lowest-rated popular apps: DingDing - Redefine Work in AI (1.3707★, 13,291 reviews), Night Owl Connect (1.65966★, 2,806 reviews), Google Device Policy (1.73448★, 2,738 reviews)
With an average rating of just 4.3★ across 1,728 apps, navigation is one of the most frustrating categories for users.
Common complaint themes: watch, doesn, maps, apple, ride, calculator, iphone, mode
Lowest-rated popular apps: Garmin Smartphone Link (1.99676★, 925 reviews), CLC Lodging Hotel Locator (2.43387★, 726 reviews), Divvy Bikes (2.35285★, 615 reviews)
With an average rating of just 4.32★ across 6,949 apps, entertainment is one of the most frustrating categories for users.
Common complaint themes: watch, many, anime, adds, season, tried, subscription, would
Lowest-rated popular apps: LIE DETECTOR... FREE! (2.25591★, 96,147 reviews), Burglar Alarm... FREE! (2.63213★, 77,976 reviews), Guitar FREE (2.45251★, 62,872 reviews)
With an average rating of just 4.32★ across 4,832 apps, photo-video is one of the most frustrating categories for users.
Common complaint themes: card, cards, never, order, received, free, money, scam
Lowest-rated popular apps: Screen Mirroring+ App (2.93276★, 11,586 reviews), Sony | Imaging Edge Mobile (1.65424★, 6,600 reviews), FUJIFILM Camera Remote (1.39027★, 3,249 reviews)
The worst-rated categories share common traits:
Low average ratings = unhappy users = room for disruption. If you're building in any of these categories, you don't need to be revolutionary — you just need to be good. See our disruption opportunities guide for specific pain points to target.
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