"Three kids means three birthday lists plus Christmas. Before this, my family would text each other asking 'did you already get the LEGO set?' Now they just check the list. Problem solved."
Jenny M.
Mother of 3
WishApp
Giftster vs WishApp
Giftster has been around since 2008 and built its whole product around family groups: private lists, Secret Santa draws, and reservations that keep gifts a surprise. WishApp does all of that too. But it is newer, nobody needs an account to view your list, and the app doesn't feel like it was built when flip phones were still a thing. Here's how they actually compare.
We built WishApp, so we're biased. But we'll be honest.
Last updated: February 2026
The quick version
Giftster
Family-focused wishlist app with 3 million members since 2008
- Private family groups with shared wishlists and gift coordination
- Secret Santa draws built directly into groups (organizer stays secret too)
- Browser extension for Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge (launched November 2024)
- 4.8/5 on iOS App Store, 4.7/5 on Google Play
WishApp
Privacy-first wishlist that works with every store
- Works with any online store, from Amazon to small independent shops
- Zero ads, zero trackers, zero data selling
- Hidden reservations keep gifts a surprise
- Free forever with no premium tier
Feature-by-feature comparison
How Giftster and WishApp stack up on the things that actually matter.
| Feature | Giftster | WishApp |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | ||
| Mobile app (iOS) | ||
| Mobile app (Android) | ||
| Browser extension | ||
| Works with any store | ||
| Hidden reservations | ||
| Secret Santa | ||
| No account to view lists | ||
| No ads or trackers | ||
| Free (no premium tier) | ||
| Price tracking | ||
| Modern, glitch-free app |
What actually sets them apart
The app feels like it's from 2010. Because it kind of is.
Giftster launched in 2008 and reviewers consistently describe the interface as dated. Glitches are common: users report being forced to re-login after every single close, lists that freeze, photos that fail to upload, and a share menu that randomly decides not to show up. That's a real problem when you're coordinating gifts for the holidays and need things to just work. WishApp was built recently and runs the way you'd expect a modern app to.
Your friends shouldn't need an account just to see your list
Giftster requires people to create an account before they can view your wishlist. That's an extra step for your aunt, your grandfather, or anyone who doesn't want yet another login to manage. WishApp shares via a link that anyone can open in a browser. No account, no signup, no app download required. They just click and see what you want.
Both are free. But they make money the same way.
Giftster is completely free with no paid tier. So is WishApp. Both make money through affiliate commissions when users click product links. Giftster is transparent about this, which is fair. WishApp works the same way. Neither charges you anything, ever.
Secret Santa that actually works for everyone
Both apps have Secret Santa draws. Giftster's version is built into groups of 3 or more and keeps picks secret from everyone, including the organizer. WishApp has the same. The difference is the rest of the experience: WishApp has a cleaner interface, participants don't need accounts to view lists, and the app isn't going to make someone re-login right before a holiday exchange.
When to pick each one
Pick Giftster if you...
- Already have family or friends using Giftster and switching isn't worth the friction
- Prefer an established platform with 3 million members and an 18-year track record
- Want birthday tracking and preference profiles (sizes, colors, hobbies) built into your group
- Are fine with an interface that prioritizes function over polish
Pick WishApp if you...
- Need friends and family to view your list without creating an account
- Want a modern, reliable app that doesn't require re-login every session
- Shop at stores of all sizes and want any URL to work
- Care about 55 languages and a clean experience that works everywhere
52,000+ wishlists and 150,000+ gifts reserved for birthdays, weddings, and every occasion worth celebrating
"My girlfriend and I share lists with each other. I can reserve stuff without her knowing, which makes birthdays way less stressful. The hidden reservation thing is actually clutch."
Theo P.
College Student
"We used this instead of a traditional registry. Added items from 11 different stores. Stuff we actually wanted, not just whatever one store had. Our guests said it was easier too."
Leila R.
Recent Bride
Frequently asked questions
Giftster vs WishApp: the full picture
What Giftster has built since 2008
Giftster launched in 2008 under MyGiftster Corporation in Minnesota and has grown to 3 million members across 24 countries. Monthly traffic is around 1 million visits (Similarweb, 2025). The product is built around private family groups: everyone shares lists inside the group, reservations keep gifts a surprise, and Secret Santa draws handle holiday exchanges. In November 2024, Giftster launched a browser extension covering all four major browsers simultaneously. Company data from September 2025 showed 94.5% growth in items purchased in H1 2025 vs. H1 2024. It is completely free with no paid tier and no ads.
Where WishApp takes a different approach
WishApp started with a simple question: what if a wishlist just worked? No paywall for core features. No requirement for your friends to create an account before they can see what you want for your birthday. WishApp doesn't have Giftster's 18-year head start or its 3 million member base. But it works with any store, has a browser extension, keeps reservations genuinely hidden, and the app is modern enough that you won't be re-logging in after every session.
Which one should you actually pick?
If your whole family is already on Giftster and switching isn't worth the friction, stay. That's a real answer. Both apps are free, both have no ads, and both handle the core wishlist and Secret Santa use case. The real question is whether Giftster's technical glitches bother you and whether you need people to view your list without signing up. If either of those matters, WishApp is worth trying. Neither needs a credit card.
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