# Idea Store vs MatesPlace

The clearest difference is review sentiment: MatesPlace at 57% against Idea Store's 20%. MatesPlace also leads on update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 2 months). Idea Store's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ads (none vs shown). On price and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MatesPlace sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Idea Store asks for nothing beyond the download.

Idea Store ships an update every 2 months, MatesPlace every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Idea Store | MatesPlace |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/matesplace/id1561594740/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **3** |
| Positive reviews | 20.0% of reviews | **56.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 49 MB | 64 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Idea Store](https://appshunter.io/developer/1468127365) | [mymatespace ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1561594742) |

## What reviewers say

### Idea Store

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idea-store-towerhamlets-libs/id1022368332)

Manage your library account on the go. Search the catalog, renew borrowed items, and place holds on new books directly from your mobile device.

**Highlights:** Manage library account, Search catalog, Renew books, Reserve books, Access from iPhone/iPad

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### MatesPlace

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/matesplace/id1561594740)

Find flats and flatmates in the UK through your social network. Connect with friends of friends for secure and trusted housing options. Ideal for students, professionals, and those new to the UK.

**Highlights:** Find flats and flatmates, Connect through friends of friends, Secure and trusted housing, Control search by connection degree, Award-winning customer support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ready to go | $11.99 | one-time |
| Taking it easy | $22.99 | one-time |
| Waiting for the one | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Innovative concept of using social connections
- 👍 User-friendly and modern design
- 🤝 Great for finding trusted flatmates
- 🌍 Useful for finding accommodation remotely
- ✅ Reliable and safer than other platforms

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❌ Inactive/outdated listings
- ❌ Poor search and filtering options
- ❌ Expensive for premium features
- ❌ Difficult to post ads
- ❌ Users don't reply

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes frequently
- App logs out on closing
- Cannot report problems, sign out, or delete account
- Messages not sending completely
- Posts not being verified

**Requested features**

- Add age range filter
- Allow distance filter below 5 miles
- Integrate Facebook friends for connections
- Improve search refinement
- Add option to sort by price low to high


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Idea Store free?

Idea Store is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is MatesPlace free?

MatesPlace is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Idea Store or MatesPlace have ads?

MatesPlace shows ads; Idea Store does not.

### Which is updated more often, Idea Store or MatesPlace?

Idea Store ships an update every 2 months, and MatesPlace every 4 weeks. Most recently, Idea Store was updated on October 10, 2026 and MatesPlace on October 14, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*