# Slowly vs DebateBase

The clearest difference is ads: DebateBase at none against Slowly's shown. DebateBase also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 72%) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Slowly's advantage is ratings volume (11K vs 14) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 5 weeks). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Slowly sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and DebateBase sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

DebateBase holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Slowly has 11K ratings behind it against 14, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 72% of Slowly's written reviews are positive against 100% of DebateBase's.

Slowly ships an update every 10 days, DebateBase every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 11, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Slowly | DebateBase |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/slowly-make-global-friends/id1199811908/reviews) | **[5.0 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/debatebase/id1606227567/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **11K** | 14 |
| Positive reviews | 72.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#198** | — |
| Size | 95 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Slowly Communications Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1457942244) | [DebateBase Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1606227569) |

## What reviewers say

### Slowly

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/slowly-make-global-friends/id1199811908)

**Currently charting:** #198 Top Free · Social Networking (US App Store)

This app facilitates making friends globally through a unique letter-writing experience. It emphasizes thoughtful correspondence and cultural exchange, with letters arriving based on distance, fostering anticipation and deeper connections.

**Highlights:** Distance-based letter delivery, Collect unique regional stamps, Safe and secure communication, Unlimited free letters, Focus on thoughtful correspondence

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Slowly Plus | $7.99 | per month |
| Slowly Plus | $42.99 | per year |
| Slowly Plus | $42.99 | per year |
| Slowly Plus | $42.99 | per year |
| 50 SLOWLY COINS | $0.99 | one-time |
| 100 SLOWLY COINS | $1.99 | one-time |
| 200 SLOWLY COINS | $3.99 | one-time |
| 500 SLOWLY COINS | $7.99 | one-time |
| 800 SLOWLY COINS | $11.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Innovative concept
- 🌍 Connect with people worldwide
- 📝 Meaningful conversations
- 📨 Authentic pen pal experience
- 🎨 Customizable avatars

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and crashes
- 🔍 Limited age range filter
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases
- 🕰️ Long wait times for messages
- 🧑‍💻 Lack of horizontal mode on iPad

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues and system errors
- Inconsistent real-time updates
- Crashes when replying to messages
- Incorrect sent/received message counts

**Requested features**

- Ability to organize/categorize pen pals
- Option to save draft letters
- Customizable fonts and formatting for letters
- Offline mode or message queuing
- Ability to delete sent messages


### DebateBase

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/debatebase/id1606227567)

An AI-powered platform for mastering debate, critical thinking, and persuasive writing. Build, organize, and challenge ideas with AI assistance in structured debates. Ideal for students, educators, and professionals looking to refine argumentation skills.

**Highlights:** AI-powered argument generation, Structured debate formats, Personal and group research libraries, Real-time writing advice chatbot, Evolving long-term debates, Voter sentiment scale

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro With AI (Monthly) | $22.49 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Slowly free?

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

### Is DebateBase free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Slowly or DebateBase?

DebateBase is rated higher. Slowly averages 4.7 out of 5 from 11K ratings, while DebateBase averages 5.0 from 14 ratings.

### Do Slowly or DebateBase have ads?

Slowly shows ads; DebateBase does not.

### Which is updated more often, Slowly or DebateBase?

Slowly ships an update every 10 days, and DebateBase every 5 weeks. Most recently, Slowly was updated on November 11, 2026 and DebateBase on November 3, 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.*