Free Sideloading Tools Compared: 2026 Edition

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Sideloading on iPhone has never had more options than in 2026. Several free tools let you install apps outside the App Store, each with different strengths, limitations, and requirements. This comprehensive comparison covers every major free sideloading tool — what makes each one distinct and when to choose each one.

The Free Sideloading Landscape in 2026

Free sideloading tools fall into three categories based on their approach:

  • On-device certificate signing: Apps signed and installed directly on iPhone using enterprise/developer certificates (Scarlet iOS, TutuApp, AppValley)
  • Personal Apple ID signing: Desktop tools that use your Apple ID to sign apps (AltStore, Sideloadly free tier)
  • Exploit-based permanent installation: Tools using iOS vulnerabilities for certificate-free installs (TrollStore)

Scarlet iOS

Type: On-device certificate signing
Cost: Free
Requires computer: No
iOS 18 support: Yes

Scarlet iOS is the most accessible and feature-complete free sideloading tool. Install from scarletios.com directly on your iPhone without touching a computer. The built-in repo system provides thousands of apps instantly, and certificate management is largely automated. Certificate revocations are the main limitation, but Scarlet handles rotation to minimize downtime. Best overall choice for casual and power users alike.

AltStore (Free Tier)

Type: Personal Apple ID signing
Cost: Free (requires $99/year Apple Developer account for 1-year certs)
Requires computer: Yes (AltServer running on Mac or PC)
iOS 18 support: Yes

AltStore’s free tier uses your personal Apple ID certificate, which means apps expire every 7 days and must be re-signed. AltServer handles this automatically when your phone is on the same Wi-Fi as your computer. The app library is much smaller than Scarlet’s, focusing on quality over quantity. Ideal for developers or users who want Apple ID-based signing.

Sideloadly (Free Tier)

Type: Personal Apple ID signing
Cost: Free (same 7-day limitation)
Requires computer: Yes (Mac or Windows)
iOS 18 support: Yes

Sideloadly is a pure signing tool — no built-in app library. You bring your own IPA files and Sideloadly signs and installs them. It has the most reliable Apple ID authentication of any computer-based tool, making it the best option when AltStore has issues. Manual re-signing required every 7 days unless you upgrade to a paid developer account.

TrollStore

Type: Exploit-based permanent installation
Cost: Free
Requires computer: Sometimes (depends on iOS version)
iOS 18 support: No (iOS 16.6.1 and below, iOS 17.0 only)

TrollStore’s permanent installation model is technically superior — no certificates, no expiry, no re-signing. But iOS version restrictions make it inaccessible to anyone on iOS 17.1+ or iOS 18. If your device qualifies, TrollStore is worth using for key apps. Otherwise it is not an option.

TutuApp (Free Tier)

Type: On-device certificate signing
Cost: Free (limited) / Paid VIP
Requires computer: No
iOS 18 support: Partial

TutuApp has a large app library but inconsistent quality control and more frequent certificate revocations than Scarlet. The free tier has a more limited app selection. Certificate revocations are more disruptive without the automated rotation systems Scarlet maintains. Better than nothing, but not the first choice.

AppValley (Free Tier)

Type: On-device certificate signing
Cost: Free (limited) / Paid
Requires computer: No
iOS 18 support: Yes

AppValley sits in the mid-tier — adequate but not exceptional in any category. Reasonable app library, acceptable revocation frequency, straightforward installation. A viable backup option if your primary tool is having issues.

Apple Sideloading (EU Only)

Type: Apple-sanctioned marketplace
Cost: Free
Requires computer: No
iOS 18 support: Yes (EU only)

The EU Digital Markets Act forced Apple to allow third-party marketplaces in Europe. AltStore PAL, Setapp Mobile, and others operate as official Apple-sanctioned alternatives in EU countries. Apps installed this way are treated as fully legitimate by iOS — no certificate trust step required, no revocations. If you are in the EU, these are worth exploring as a complement to tools like Scarlet iOS.

Comparison Summary Table

  • Easiest setup: Scarlet iOS
  • Largest app library: Scarlet iOS
  • Most permanent installs: TrollStore (if supported)
  • Best privacy: Scarlet iOS (no Apple ID) or TrollStore
  • Best for developers: AltStore or Sideloadly
  • Works on iOS 18: Scarlet iOS, AltStore, Sideloadly, AppValley
  • No computer needed: Scarlet iOS, TutuApp, AppValley

Recommendation

Start with Scarlet iOS — it covers the most use cases with the least friction. Add AltStore if you have a computer and want the personal certificate approach for specific apps. Use TrollStore if your device is on a compatible iOS version. This combination gives you the broadest and most resilient sideloading setup available for free in 2026. Also read the AltStore vs Scarlet iOS vs Sideloadly ultimate guide for a deeper look at the top three tools.

Building a Reliable Free Sideloading Stack

The most effective approach in 2026 is combining two free tools: Scarlet iOS for its large curated repo system and streamlined on-device installation, and AltStore as a backup for apps that benefit from personal certificate signing. Between these two free tools, you have coverage for virtually every sideloading scenario without spending a dollar. Certificate management, app discovery, and re-signing are all handled either automatically or with minimal user effort. The sideloading ecosystem has matured to the point where free tools genuinely match or exceed what paid tiers offered just two years ago. Visit scarletios.com to build your setup today.

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