Tech YouTuber MKBHD’s Panels App: A Promising Idea, But Is It Worth the Price?

Marques Brownlee, known to millions of fans as MKBHD, has built his reputation as one of the most trusted tech reviewers on YouTube. With nearly 20 million subscribers, he’s become a powerful voice in the tech world, known for his sharp, unbiased reviews. But now, Brownlee is stepping into a new role — that of a creator. This week, he launched his own app, *Panels*, available on both iOS and Android. The app offers a collection of carefully curated, high-quality wallpapers from digital artists. But while the idea behind *Panels* is solid, its pricing structure has left many fans feeling underwhelmed.

A Promising Start

The premise of 'Panels' is straightforward. Brownlee, who always features stylish and eye-catching wallpapers when reviewing gadgets like smartphones, laptops, and smartwatches, decided to create a space where users can access similar wallpapers. He noted that one of the most common search phrases involving his name is “Where does MKBHD get his wallpapers?”

Clearly, there’s a demand for the types of wallpapers Brownlee features in his reviews, and the timing of the app’s launch couldn’t have been better. Last week, Apple rolled out the iOS 18 update, which highlights customization features for the lock and home screens. This update, along with Brownlee’s influence, creates the perfect opportunity for an app like *Panels* to thrive.

The Catch: High Prices and Ads

While the app’s concept is strong, the pricing model has raised eyebrows. To access the high-resolution wallpapers, users have to pay a steep subscription fee of $50 per year or $12 per month. These prices are much higher than what people typically expect for wallpaper apps, which are often free or come with a one-time purchase option.

There is a free version of 'Panels', but it comes with a catch: to download lower-resolution wallpapers, users must watch two 30-second ads per image. For many fans, this feels like a cash grab that Brownlee himself would criticize if he were reviewing someone else’s product. The app’s high cost and reliance on ads for the free version may drive potential users away, despite the appeal of the curated wallpapers.

Supporting Artists in a Challenging Time

One redeeming feature of the app is its commitment to supporting digital artists. In an era where generative AI is threatening the livelihoods of creatives, Brownlee aims to give artists a new revenue stream. He explained that payments for wallpapers are split 50-50 with the artists. For example, if a user purchases a wallpaper for $8, and Apple takes its standard 30% cut, the artist receives about $2.80.

It’s an admirable effort to create a market for something that most people are used to getting for free. If successful, *Panels* could help digital artists make passive income by selling their work through the app. And if anyone has the power to make this concept work, it’s Brownlee, whose influence could bring attention to these creators.

Privacy Concerns and Immediate Fixes

While 'Panels' aims to be artist-friendly, it’s not without its potential downsides, particularly when it comes to privacy. Fans quickly pointed out that the App Store lists *Panels* as an app that could track users’ location, usage data, and personal identifiers across other apps and websites. This raised concerns about how the app handles sensitive data.

To his credit, Brownlee addressed these concerns immediately on social media. He posted on X (formerly Twitter) to reassure users that the data disclosures were broader than necessary and were mainly driven by ad network requirements. He promised to fix the privacy issues quickly and clarified that the app would never ask for personal data like location or browsing history. Brownlee also committed to reducing the frequency of ads in the free version of the app.

Is 'Panels' Worth the Price?

For those who don’t mind dealing with ads, the free version of 'Panels' is still a viable option for getting new wallpapers. However, the lower-resolution images don’t look great on most modern devices unless users apply additional filters through Apple’s iOS 18 customization features. And with the app’s premium pricing being similar to a Spotify subscription, many are questioning whether paying that much for wallpapers is really worth it.

Still, it’s important to remember that this is Brownlee’s first foray into app development, and he’s learning along the way. He’s openly welcomed feedback from his community, stating that “building in public” allows for real-time improvements. He compared this experience to publishing a YouTube video and receiving immediate feedback from viewers.

Despite the mixed reactions to the app, 'Panels' has already found some early success. According to app intelligence firm Appfigures, 'Panels' is currently ranked #1 in the Photo & Video category in the iOS App Store in multiple countries, including the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Excluding gaming apps, *Panels* also ranks #4 in Canada and #9 in the U.S.

Final Thoughts

At its core, 'Panels' is a well-intentioned app that aims to blend style with substance. It gives digital artists a platform to earn money and provides users with unique, high-quality wallpapers curated by one of the most trusted voices in tech. However, the app’s high subscription fees and ad-heavy free version may deter many potential users.

While 'Panels' has potential, it’s clear that Brownlee and his team will need to make some adjustments if they want to keep users engaged in the long term. With feedback rolling in and privacy concerns being addressed, the app may evolve into something more user-friendly. For now, fans will have to decide whether the price of *Panels* is worth it — or if they’re better off sticking with free alternatives.