W | Bear vs Balma
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
W | Bear
This social networking app connects individuals within the gay bear community. Build meaningful relationships, share your life through photos and videos, and discover local and global events. It's an inclusive space for diverse identities to connect and celebrate.
- Connect with users nearby or globally
- Explore profiles with shared interests
- Share photos and videos
- Discover local and global events
- Inclusive community for diverse identities
- Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
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Discover W | Bear, the social networking app designed by bears, for the gay bear community. Build meaningful connections, share your world, chat with friends, and explore events – all in one inclusive space. Meet & Connect • Find friendly faces nearby or around the world. • Explore profiles with shared interests and values. • Start conversations and build lasting connections. Share & Explore • Share photos and videos that reflect who you are. • Interact with posts by liking and commenting. • Use tags to connect with others who share your identity and interests. Stay in the Loop • Discover local and global bear events – from casual meetups to big celebrations. • Find out who’s attending and connect before the fun begins. Celebrate Diversity • However you identify – bear, cub, otter, chaser, or beyond – you’re welcome here. • Be part of a community rooted in friendship, authenticity, and mutual respect. Easy to Use • Create your profile in minutes. • Navigate smoothly with intuitive tools and design. • Continue conversations across devices without missing a beat. W | Bear is free to download and open to individuals 18 and older. Premium subscriptions are available for an enhanced experience. W | Bear Terms of Service: http://wnet.lgbt/tos.html W | Bear EULA: http://wnet.lgbt/eula.html Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.
Balma
Connect with South Asian LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies in a safe, inclusive space. Discover local meetups, join communities, and enjoy live broadcasts and video chats. Features robust safety measures for a secure experience.
- User profiles with detailed information
- Live video broadcasting with virtual gifts
- Secure messaging with photo and video sharing
- Location-based connections for local meetups
- Interest-based community groups
- Video chat for face-to-face conversations
- Event listings for LGBTQIA+ gatherings
- Travel mode for connecting in new locations
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BALMA is the world’s first app for South Asian LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies to connect. Our aim is to create a safe space for South Asian folks who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual, along with their allies, to connect. BALMA is an LGBTQ+ company spearheaded and supported by individuals and allies, particularly from South Asian backgrounds encompassing India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Our app, curated and operated by members of the LGBT, gay, trans, and Hijra communities, prioritizes inclusivity and diversity. We provide an extensive range of features with a focus on optimizing user experience and maintaining rigorous data security protocols. Here's what makes BALMA awesome: User Profiles: BALMA users can create profiles that showcase their individuality. You can include details such as age, location, interests, relationship status, pronouns, allowing you to express your true self. Live Broadcasting: BALMA features a Live broadcast where users can stream video content to a wider audience. Other users can watch the broadcasts and interact through comments and virtual gifts. These virtual gifts can be converted into cash to reward your favorites and help them create more content. Chatting: BALMA's messaging system enables users to send messages, share photos, exchange videos, send virtual gifts and tip a user to foster connections and facilitate meaningful discussions. Location-Based Connections: BALMA is a Queer social networking app that uses geolocation to help you find and connect with other LGBTQIA+ individuals nearby. It facilitates local connections and meetups, making it easier to forge meaningful relationships. Community : BALMA fosters a sense of community by allowing users to join or create interest-based communities and groups. This feature encourages LGBT+ networking, Queer discussions, and the organization of topics centered around LGBTQIA+ themes. Video Chat: BALMA offers a video chat feature that allows LGBT+ users to have face-to-face conversations within the app. This feature enhances communication and helps build stronger connections. Events : BALMA provides information on LGBTQIA+ events, parties, Pride and social gatherings happening in various cities, allowing users to plan and participate in community events and build connections within the LGBTQIA+ community. Travel Mode: BALMA allows users to connect with locals and travelers in a specific location even before arriving there, creating opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and explore LGBTQIA+ friendly destinations. A Travel Mode Icon in the settings section helps identify you are visiting. Safety and Verification: For your safety BALMA has robust safety features such as user verification, screen shot protection, reporting, and blocking options to ensure a secure and inclusive environment for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. These features help safeguard against harassment and promote respectful interactions. Balma Subscriptions: BALMA is available for free download and use. However, we also provide additional features and services that can be accessed through optional subscription packages (BALMA Unlimited) or individual paid services (such as Gifts and Tips) without a subscription requirement. We offer flexible subscription durations, including weekly, monthly, 3month, and 12month options, with occasional discounted prices for longer commitments. Please note that pricing may vary by country and is subject to change without prior notice. The app clearly displays the current prices. Your subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24hr before the end of the current period. Your iTunes account will automatically be charged at the renewal price within 24hr prior to the end of the current period unless you change your subscription preferences. Privacy Policy : https://balma.app/privacy-policy Usage Policy : https://balma.app/usage-policy
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Balma at 100% against W | Bear's 40%. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. W | Bear sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month and Balma sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
W | Bear ships an update every 4 weeks, Balma fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | W | Bear | Balma |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.5 (2.5K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 40.3% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 2.5K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 14.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 85 MB | 144 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | gNetLabs, Inc. | Balma App LTD |
Customer experience
W | Bear
Balma
Bugs and requests
W | Bear
Reported bugs
5 issues- Crashes when switching between profiles
- Inability to delete account or photos
- Inconsistent behavior when blocking users
- Photos not showing up in global feeds
- Login issues and account lockouts
Requested features
5 requests- Ability to manage private album access
- Improved notification management
- Dark mode option
- Better photo/video upload and editing tools
- In-app support and feedback channels
Balma
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
W | Bear
- 1 Month$12.991 Month
- 3 Months$28.993 Months
- 1 Year$79.991 Year
Balma
- Weekly Plan$5.997 Days
- Monthly Plan$9.991 Month
- Quarterly Plan$24.993 Months
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- Yearly Plan$89.991 Year
- 100$0.99
- 200$1.99
- 500$4.99
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- 1000$9.99
- 2000$19.99
- 5000$49.99









