# Shiku IM vs ScanTheChat

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.

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

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shiku IM | ScanTheChat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shiku-im/id1160132242/reviews)** | [4.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scanthechat/id6737719464/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **4** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 180 MB | 73 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Shenzhen Shiku information technology co., LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/474681307) | [Copy&Paste LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1777584661) |

## What reviewers say

### Shiku IM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shiku-im/id1160132242)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### ScanTheChat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scanthechat/id6737719464)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Extension 7 days | $0.99 | one-time |
| Extension 30 days | $2.99 | one-time |
| Group extension 30 days | $2.99 | one-time |
| Monthly premium extension | $4.99 | one-time |
| Group extension 3 months | $4.99 | one-time |
| Group extension 6 months | $7.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked 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.

---

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