AltStore vs SideStore vs TrollStore — Free Sideloading Tools Compared (2026)
If you don't want to pay for a signing service and don't have an Apple Developer account, three free tools dominate iOS sideloading in 2026: AltStore, SideStore, and TrollStore. Each takes a different approach, and they're not really competitors — they solve different problems.
The 30-second summary
| AltStore | SideStore | TrollStore | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer needed? | Yes (initial + re-signs) | Initial only | Yes (one-time install) |
| App expiry | 7 days | 7 days | Never |
| iOS versions supported | All current | All current | iOS 14.0-16.6.1 only |
| App limit | 3 | 3 | Unlimited |
| Distribute to others? | No | No | No |
| Requires your Apple ID? | Yes | Yes | No |
AltStore — the most popular
AltStore was the first major free sideloading platform. It works by re-signing apps using your free Apple ID provisioning. Requires AltServer on your computer for the initial install and weekly re-signs (which can happen over Wi-Fi if the computer is on the same network).
- Strengths: Mature ecosystem, app catalog ("Sources"), most polished UX
- Weaknesses: Requires a computer reachable for re-signs, 3-app limit
Setup guide: How to install IPA with AltStore.
SideStore — AltStore without a computer (after setup)
SideStore is a fork of AltStore that uses a clever trick: an on-device pairing of the AltServer protocol via a virtual server running locally. Result: after initial setup, you don't need your computer on the same network anymore. Re-signs happen entirely on the phone.
- Strengths: No ongoing computer dependency, same UX as AltStore
- Weaknesses: Setup is more complex, can be flaky after iOS updates, still 7-day expiry, still 3-app limit
TrollStore — the permanent solution (but limited)
TrollStore is fundamentally different. It exploits a bug in Apple's CoreTrust daemon to install IPAs permanently — no re-signs, no 7-day expiry, no Apple ID needed. Apps install once and stay installed.
The catch: only works on iOS 14.0 through 16.6.1 (and tvOS equivalents). Apple patched the bug in iOS 16.7 / iOS 17. If your device is on iOS 17 or later, TrollStore can't be installed. If it's already installed when you update, it usually keeps working but new installs may fail.
- Strengths: Permanent installs, no Apple ID, unlimited apps, no maintenance
- Weaknesses: iOS 14-16.6.1 only, no path forward after Apple patches
Which should you pick?
- On iOS 14-16.6.1? → TrollStore. It's the best free option, period. Just stay on that iOS version.
- On iOS 17+, have a computer? → AltStore. Mature, most apps work.
- On iOS 17+, don't want computer dependency? → SideStore.
Where all three fall short
None of these tools solve real distribution. If you want to give an app to other people, all three require those people to set up the same tool with their Apple ID. That's untenable for anything beyond a tiny technical audience.
For distribution to multiple users (clients, beta testers, customers), a paid Enterprise signing is the only practical answer: you sign once, anyone can install with no setup. See also: how to choose an IPA signing service.