# Join4 for iMessage vs Cobi Hoops 2

The clearest difference is price: Cobi Hoops 2 at Free against Join4 for iMessage's $0.99. Cobi Hoops 2 also leads on rating (4.5 vs 2.3) and update cadence (monthly vs every 59 months). Join4 for iMessage's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ads (none vs shown). On device support there is nothing between them.

Cobi Hoops 2 is free to download; Join4 for iMessage costs $0.99 up front. Cobi Hoops 2 sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Join4 for iMessage asks for nothing beyond the download.

Cobi Hoops 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cobi Hoops 2 has 2.9K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 38% of Join4 for iMessage's written reviews are positive against 67% of Cobi Hoops 2's.

Join4 for iMessage ships an update every 59 months, Cobi Hoops 2 monthly. The most recent releases landed on June 2, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Join4 for iMessage | Cobi Hoops 2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [2.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/join4-for-imessage/id1151985603/reviews) | **[4.5 (2.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cobi-hoops-2/id1264620108/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **2.9K** |
| Positive reviews | 37.5% of reviews | **67.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 59 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 5 MB | 72 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Matthew Cotton](https://appshunter.io/developer/723888565) | [Cobra Mobile Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/290142990) |

## What reviewers say

### Join4 for iMessage

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/join4-for-imessage/id1151985603)

Challenge friends in a classic connect four game directly through iMessage. Strategically place your colored counters to be the first to achieve four in a row and win the game.

**Highlights:** Play via iMessage, Turn-based gameplay, Strategic counter placement, Challenge friends, Connect four win condition

**In-app purchases:** none


### Cobi Hoops 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cobi-hoops-2/id1264620108)

Engage in basketball-themed puzzle challenges with over 160 levels of increasing difficulty. Compete against friends in real-time within Messages for a quick 30-second scoring challenge.

**Highlights:** 160+ puzzle levels, Score all baskets, Compete with friends in Messages, 30-second scoring challenge, Basketball action

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Buy 5 Basket Masters | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock All Level Packs & More | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎮 Fun and engaging gameplay
- 💡 Unique puzzle-solving mechanics
- 👍 Good balance of difficulty
- 🏀 Appealing basketball theme

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Some levels are too difficult or impossible
- 🤔 Inconsistent controls and aiming
- 🔍 Lack of level variety

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or freezes when minimized
- Levels not loading properly

**Requested features**

- More levels and content updates
- Customization options for characters or gameplay
- Ability to save progress and resume later


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Join4 for iMessage free?

Join4 for iMessage costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Cobi Hoops 2 free?

Cobi Hoops 2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Join4 for iMessage or Cobi Hoops 2?

Cobi Hoops 2 is rated higher. Join4 for iMessage averages 2.3 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Cobi Hoops 2 averages 4.5 from 2.9K ratings.

### Do Join4 for iMessage or Cobi Hoops 2 have ads?

Cobi Hoops 2 shows ads; Join4 for iMessage does not.

### Which is updated more often, Join4 for iMessage or Cobi Hoops 2?

Join4 for iMessage ships an update every 59 months, and Cobi Hoops 2 monthly. Most recently, Join4 for iMessage was updated on June 2, 2026 and Cobi Hoops 2 on September 21, 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.*