Comparison

Shiku IM vs ScanTheChat

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Shiku IM

A secure instant messaging app offering high concurrency and availability. It provides a full suite of communication features including text, voice, and video calls, with advanced privacy options and private cloud support.

Highlights
  • High concurrency and availability
  • End-to-end encryption
  • Burn after reading messages
  • Video and voice conferencing
  • Private cloud deployment
  • Group chat up to 10,000 members
Features
Read full description

This is an original instant messaging software with stable performance and features. 1. high concurrency: the measured concurrent number is above 20W, and it supports hundreds of millions of users. 2. high availability: the server does not need to restart for half a year, automatic load balancing. 3. function: mainstream IM has all the functions, and we still have none. 4. private cloud: support for privatization and deep customization, not subject to people. 5. high security: communication protocol adopts high intensity encryption algorithm, and chat records do not leak. 6. Support appointment meeting, voice conference, video conference, shared desktop, text chat in the meeting, member management, etc The specific functions are: 1. address book, supporting friend validation or non verification, two-dimensional code, label grouping, pulling black, my colleagues, public numbers, multiple entry, my phone sending messages to my computer, etc. 2. single chat, support message receipt, burn after reading, display read, message free, top, withdraw, video chat, search chat records, etc. 3. group chat, support bulletin, @ group members, group members, group validation, group nicknames, group management, number of readers, video conferencing, etc., to support 10000 people. 4. message, support long text, pictures, recording, video, business card, location, animation, archives, red packets, screenshots and other types. 5. Privacy, exclusive ownership of features such as delivery, read, burn after reading, end-to-end encryption, private groups, private group members, etc

About

ScanTheChat

Seamlessly sync messages across multiple devices. Create ephemeral discussions with others without sharing personal information, ensuring privacy. Designed for simplicity and ease of use.

Highlights
  • Cross-device message synchronization
  • Ephemeral discussions
  • Privacy-focused communication
  • Simple and easy to use interface
Features
Read full description

This app allows you to sync messages across multiple devices seamlessly. It is designed to be simple and easy to use. You can also create an ephemeral discussion with other users without sharing your personal informations.

Screenshots

Shiku IM3 screens
ScanTheChat4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shiku IM at none against ScanTheChat's 6. Shiku IM also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). ScanTheChat's advantage is ratings volume (4 vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. ScanTheChat sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Shiku IM asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Shiku IM holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 4 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Shiku IM ships an update every 3 weeks, ScanTheChat every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Shiku IM versus ScanTheChat: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShiku IMScanTheChat
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better4.8 (4 ratings)
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings14 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.612.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size180 MB73 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperShenzhen Shiku information technology co., LTDCopy&Paste LLC

Customer experience

Shiku IM

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

ScanTheChat

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Shiku IM

No in-app purchases

6 purchases

ScanTheChat

One-time6
  • Extension 7 days$0.99
  • Extension 30 days$2.99
  • Group extension 30 days$2.99
Show 3 more
  • Monthly premium extension$4.99
  • Group extension 3 months$4.99
  • Group extension 6 months$7.99

Questions

Is Shiku IM free?
Shiku IM is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ScanTheChat free?
ScanTheChat is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Shiku IM or ScanTheChat?
Shiku IM is rated higher. Shiku IM averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while ScanTheChat averages 4.8 from 4 ratings.
Do Shiku IM or ScanTheChat have ads?
Neither Shiku IM nor ScanTheChat shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Shiku IM or ScanTheChat?
Shiku IM ships an update every 3 weeks, and ScanTheChat every 2 months. Most recently, Shiku IM was updated on November 6, 2026 and ScanTheChat on October 30, 2026.

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