MKBHD’s Panels Wallpepar App Review: Is This $9 Really Worth It for Wallpapers?

In the crowded world of wallpaper apps, MKBHD, a renowned tech YouTuber, has taken a bold step by launching Panels, his very own wallpaper application. Designed to bring high-quality, curated wallpapers from talented digital artists to your mobile device, Panels has become a hot topic, but not necessarily for the right reasons. With a subscription fee of $11.99 per month or $49.99 per year, many users are questioning if this app offers enough value, especially in the era of free AI-powered alternatives.

In this review, we’ll delve into the details of MKBHD’s Panels app, its pros and cons, and whether it’s truly worth the price tag. We’ll also look at a viable free alternative, Find My Wallpaper, which offers AI-generated wallpapers without any subscription fees. So, let’s get into it.

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What Does Panels Offer?

Panels is a wallpaper app available on both Android and iOS platforms. What sets it apart is its focus on human artistry—each wallpaper in the app is created by skilled digital artists who share their unique styles, making it an exclusive collection that can’t be easily found elsewhere. The revenue model is structured to support these artists, with 50% of profits going directly to them, as explained by MKBHD during the app’s launch​.

The app interface is clean and intuitive. Users can choose their favorite artists to personalize the type of wallpapers they see. The subscription unlocks access to higher-resolution images (4K), ad-free browsing, and exclusive collections.

However, there are several pain points:

Limited Free Content: Users have access to only a small selection of standard-definition (1080p) wallpapers for free, and each download requires you to watch two ads. This can be frustrating, especially since most wallpaper apps offer some level of free content without the ad barrier.

Pricing Structure: At $11.99 a month, the pricing is steep, especially for a wallpaper app. Competitors like Zedge and Backdrops have much more affordable options, often as low as $2 to $5 per month​.

Privacy Concerns: The app’s data privacy policy raised eyebrows when users discovered it was collecting data like location and personal identifiers, sparking backlash. Although MKBHD has promised to address these issues, the damage might already be done​(Gizmochina).

Why Panels Isn’t the Best Choice in the Age of AI

One of the primary criticisms against Panels is its value proposition in today’s AI-driven landscape. With AI-powered apps like Find My Wallpaper, users can generate unique, high-quality wallpapers without spending a dime. While Panels prides itself on the human touch and supporting artists, it’s hard to justify a recurring subscription fee when AI can offer similar or even better results at no cost.

AI wallpaper generators like Find My Wallpaper don’t just give you a gallery of static images; they let you create exactly what you’re looking for. You can control the style, colors, and elements, making it a more personalized experience. Plus, the images are rendered in high resolutions, comparable to what Panels offers in its premium tier. Why pay for what you can get for free with more creative flexibility?

Recommendation: Try Find My Wallpaper Instead

If you’re a fan of high-quality wallpapers and want more control over what you see on your screen, I’d recommend checking out Find My Wallpaper. It’s an AI-driven tool that lets you generate stunning images tailored to your preferences without any subscription fees. With a few clicks, you can create your own collection of personalized wallpapers, ranging from minimalistic patterns to vibrant abstract designs. It’s a game-changer if you’re tired of sifting through generic wallpaper libraries.

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Final Verdict: Is Panels Worth the Price?

In conclusion, while MKBHD’s Panels offers some high-quality and exclusive wallpapers, the $9 monthly fee is difficult to justify, especially considering the limitations of the free version and the abundance of privacy concerns. For those who genuinely want to support digital artists and don’t mind the cost, Panels might be a worthwhile investment.

But for the average user, especially those familiar with AI-based tools, free alternatives like Find My Wallpaper provide much better value. In this AI-driven world, why pay for wallpapers when you can create your own unique designs for free?

So, unless you’re an ardent fan of MKBHD or highly value curated content, it’s probably best to skip Panels and explore free AI alternatives.