# Join4 for iMessage vs DoodleBack

The clearest difference is review sentiment: DoodleBack at 94% against Join4 for iMessage's 38%. DoodleBack also leads on price (Free vs $0.99) and rating (4.8 vs 2.3). Join4 for iMessage's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and device support (3 vs 1). On ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

DoodleBack is free to download; Join4 for iMessage costs $0.99 up front. DoodleBack sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Join4 for iMessage asks for nothing beyond the download.

DoodleBack holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DoodleBack has 45 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 94% of DoodleBack's.

Join4 for iMessage ships an update every 59 months, DoodleBack every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on June 2, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Join4 for iMessage | DoodleBack |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [2.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/join4-for-imessage/id1151985603/reviews) | **[4.8 (45 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/doodleback/id6755615366/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **45** |
| Positive reviews | 37.5% of reviews | **94.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 59 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 5 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Matthew Cotton](https://appshunter.io/developer/723888565) | [BERG LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/545395845) |

## 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


### DoodleBack

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/doodleback/id6755615366)

Transform iMessage into a fun drawing and guessing game. Pick a word, draw it, and send it to a friend to guess. Continue the drawing chain, earn points, and enjoy a unique way to connect.

**Highlights:** Play directly in iMessage, Thousands of word prompts, Custom prompt creation, Smart hint system, Undo/redo drawing tools, Score and streak tracking, Drawing history view

**Features:** iMessage stickers

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Handful (75 Coins) | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pouch (600 Coins) | $4.99 | one-time |
| Chest (1500 Coins) | $9.99 | one-time |
| Cart (3500 Coins) | $19.99 | one-time |
| Vault (10000 Coins) | $49.99 | one-time |
| Pirate Ship (25000 Coins) | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Join4 for iMessage free?

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

### Is DoodleBack free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Join4 for iMessage or DoodleBack?

DoodleBack is rated higher. Join4 for iMessage averages 2.3 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while DoodleBack averages 4.8 from 45 ratings.

### Do Join4 for iMessage or DoodleBack have ads?

Neither Join4 for iMessage nor DoodleBack shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Join4 for iMessage or DoodleBack?

Join4 for iMessage ships an update every 59 months, and DoodleBack every 9 days. Most recently, Join4 for iMessage was updated on June 2, 2026 and DoodleBack on September 25, 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.*