# JoinDispatch vs Detective Protocol

The clearest difference is ads: JoinDispatch at none against Detective Protocol's shown. JoinDispatch also leads on iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. JoinDispatch sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and Detective Protocol sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

JoinDispatch ships an update weekly, Detective Protocol every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | JoinDispatch | Detective Protocol |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (898 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/joindispatch/id1161946025/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **898** | — |
| Positive reviews | 59.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 50 MB | 82 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Kyle McCullough](https://appshunter.io/developer/1161946024) | [Miguel Vieira](https://appshunter.io/developer/641139920) |

## What reviewers say

### JoinDispatch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/joindispatch/id1161946025)

Experience the thrill of managing emergency dispatches in a text-based adventure. Make critical decisions, earn stars, and unlock new opportunities as a Citizen Responder. Navigate limited resources and even rewind time to correct mistakes.

**Highlights:** Achieve 5-Star rating, Earn skills and unlock opportunities, Resource management, Rewind time function, Choice-driven narrative, Simplified decisions

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shift One - Remove Ads | Free | one-time |
| Shift Unlock | $3.99 | one-time |
| Season 1 Pass | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Interesting story and gameplay
- 🤖 Unique text-based adventure concept
- 👍 Immersive atmosphere and mystery
- 💎 Compelling narrative and 4th wall breaks

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Paywall after initial tutorial
- 🐛 Bugs, glitches, and inconsistencies
- ⏱️ Short first episode/shift
- 🕰️ Long wait times for new content

**Reported bugs**

- Calls getting stuck on hold
- Skills disappearing or not working as expected
- Repeated resets of progress
- Unresponsive UI and black screens

**Requested features**

- More episodes/shifts to continue the story
- Ability to replay past calls/choices
- Clearer progression and skill system
- Offline mode or reduced battery drain


### Detective Protocol

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/detective-protocol-crime-sim/id6759249109)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Global Jurisdiction | $2.99 | one-time |
| Elite Training Module | $2.99 | one-time |
| Visual-Freq Upgrade | $2.99 | one-time |
| Restricted Case Files | $2.99 | one-time |
| Director's Clearance | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is JoinDispatch free?

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

### Is Detective Protocol free?

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

### Do JoinDispatch or Detective Protocol have ads?

Detective Protocol shows ads; JoinDispatch does not.

### Which is updated more often, JoinDispatch or Detective Protocol?

JoinDispatch ships an update weekly, and Detective Protocol every 4 days. Most recently, JoinDispatch was updated on September 29, 2026 and Detective Protocol on October 1, 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.*