# Keybase vs Igloo

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Keybase at none against Igloo's 5. Igloo's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months) and rating (3.7 vs 3.5). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Igloo sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Keybase asks for nothing beyond the download.

Igloo holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 323 and 119 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 42% and 43% positive.

Keybase ships an update every 3 months, Igloo every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Keybase | Igloo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (323 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/keybase-crypto-for-everyone/id1044461770/reviews) | **[3.7 (119 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/igloo/id6475702560/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **323** | 119 |
| Positive reviews | 42.5% of reviews | **43.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 127 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Keybase, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1044460764) | [Eskimo Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1037652122) |

## What reviewers say

### Keybase

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/keybase-crypto-for-everyone/id1044461770)

Securely message anyone on social media or other platforms without needing their personal contact information. All communications are end-to-end encrypted and accessible across multiple devices. This open-source platform is free and ad-free for all users.

**Highlights:** Secure messaging to social media users, End-to-end encryption, Multi-device support, Open source, Ad-free

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 🔒 Secure communication
- 👍 Useful features like cloud storage and git repos
- 💡 Innovative crypto integration

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and crashes
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 👎 Lack of iPad support
- 👎 Sluggish performance

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices
- Messaging issues and lost chats
- Unreliable file sharing

**Requested features**

- Add iPad app support
- Improve message threading and navigation
- Integrate with more social platforms
- Add password manager functionality


### Igloo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/igloo/id6475702560)

This IRC client has been completely re-engineered for enhanced performance and stability. It offers a refined user experience with a redesigned interface, simultaneous file transfers, and optimized bouncer integration. Enjoy secure communication, versatile file sharing, and extensive customization options.

**Highlights:** Multi-file DCC/XDCC transfers, Redesigned user interface with themes, Optimized for bouncers (ZNC), Comprehensive network support, SSL/TLS encryption, Inline media viewing, VoiceOver accessibility

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly License | $0.99 | per month |
| Yearly License | $7.99 | per year |
| Free Trial | Free | one-time |
| Lifetime License (Upgrade) | $9.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime License | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Clean, minimalistic, and modern interface
- 🚀 Fast and responsive app performance
- 🔗 Seamless bouncer integration with IRCv3 support
- 📱 Best IRC client available for iOS/iPadOS
- 💬 Active developer with responsive support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive pricing compared to competitors
- 🔄 Forced upgrade from previous version with license non-transfer
- 😤 Developer has dismissive and snarky attitude in responses
- 📵 Cannot stay connected in background (Apple limitation)
- 🚫 Misleading 'free' app store listing (trial only)

**Reported bugs**

- App disconnects when screen turns off or app backgrounded
- Theme selection not persisting between app launches
- User list menu jumps unexpectedly on tap
- Link opening requires multiple taps instead of single tap
- Copy/paste functionality hidden and unintuitive

**Requested features**

- Restore /ignore command for blocking users
- IRCv3 CHATHISTORY extension implementation
- DCC file transfer support
- Ability to hide/disable Slap function
- Color customization for usernames


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Keybase free?

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

### Is Igloo free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Keybase or Igloo?

Igloo is rated higher. Keybase averages 3.5 out of 5 from 323 ratings, while Igloo averages 3.7 from 119 ratings.

### Do Keybase or Igloo have ads?

Neither Keybase nor Igloo shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Keybase or Igloo?

Keybase ships an update every 3 months, and Igloo every 2 weeks. Most recently, Keybase was updated on October 14, 2026 and Igloo on October 16, 2026.

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