Sideloadly is a desktop app that installs IPAs over USB using your Apple ID. SideStore is an on-device store/sideloader that can refresh apps wirelessly (with the right setup). Both are popular; they solve overlapping but not identical problems.
Quick comparison
| Topic | Sideloadly | SideStore |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on | Windows / Mac | iPhone / iPad (after install) |
| Typical install | USB to PC | Initial install often via PC; then refresh on device |
| Refresh / re-sign | Usually plug in again before expiry | Can refresh over Wi‑Fi with pairing + SideStore setup |
| Free Apple ID | Subject to 7‑day certs & app limits | Same Apple rules; see 3 app limit |
When Sideloadly shines
- You want a familiar “drag IPA → install” workflow on a computer.
- You’re OK reconnecting via USB before apps expire.
- You’re installing one-off IPAs and don’t need sources on the phone.
When SideStore shines
- You want on-device installs from URLs or sources after the initial setup.
- You’ll use wireless refresh (pairing file, SideStore docs) to avoid weekly USB for every refresh.
- You prefer managing apps alongside LiveContainer or multiple IPAs in one workflow.
Where iLoader comes in
iLoader is built to make SideStore (and related setup like pairing files) easier on Windows, macOS, and Linux—without juggling multiple manual steps. If you choose SideStore as your on-device hub, iLoader is a practical way to bootstrap it. If you use Sideloadly today, you can still add SideStore later for phone-first installs; many people use both a desktop tool and SideStore at different times.
Related reading
Next step
New to the stack? Start with Getting Started and install SideStore with iLoader.