Backdrops vs John’s Background Switcher

Backdrops is a wallpaper app with curated collections and new wallpapers added regularly. Its team creates original designs for Android devices, including exclusive artwork available in the app. Users can submit wallpapers, artwork, or photos for review and possible placement in the Community section. Wall of the Day highlights a newly created design or a selected favorite. Google sign-in can sync favorites across devices, and favorites can be paired with Muzei to rotate on a chosen schedule. The app is available for Android, iOS, and macOS. The free plan costs nothing and includes ads, with in-app purchases available. Backdrops Pro costs $4.99, paid once and removes ads, permits saving Explore wallpapers, and includes a Pro Pack of exclusive backgrounds and future Pro features. The terms say purchases are non-refundable and limit sharing Backdrops-owned Explore wallpapers outside the app; saved copies are for personal use. The Google Play listing warns that regular use may consume substantial data and that carrier or internet charges may apply.

John’s Background Switcher changes a Windows or Mac desktop background on a schedule, using individual photos or assembled montages and collages. Its image sources include local photos and services such as Flickr, SmugMug, Unsplash, Pixabay, Dropbox, OneDrive, Vladstudio, Immich, and Media RSS feeds, though availability varies by platform. Windows also lists Pexels, Last.fm, and Wallhaven. On Mac, it can manage multiple monitors, showing the same or different images on each, or using a single monitor. Mac switching intervals range from every 10 seconds to 7 days, with grayscale, sepia, and desaturation effects. Windows support starts at Windows 10 and requires Microsoft.NET 4.8; the setup wizard can install that dependency. The maker says settings and authentication tokens are stored locally, photo services are contacted directly, and cached photo results are kept for no more than two days. Windows is free at free. Mac direct costs 7.99 USD once, and Mac App Store costs 8.99 USD once.