Comparison

Small Group Network vs The Circle

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

Head to head
About

Small Group Network

Connect, encourage, and resource leaders of small group ministries worldwide. Access an international network of Huddles for local connections and find essential information for ministry leaders.

Highlights
  • International Huddle Network
  • Push Notifications
  • Event Calendar
  • Ministry Podcasts
  • Social Media RSS Feeds
  • Blog Updates
  • Staff Directory
Features
Read full description

The Small Group Network is a free world-wide network for leaders of small group ministry. We exist to connect, encourage, and resource small group ministry leaders in relational communities. We do this through our international network of Huddles, where small group ministry leaders can connect with others in their area .The Small Group Network gives app users instant access to the information small group leaders need. We have included the following key features: Key Features Include: - Push Notifications - Event Calendar - Podcast - RSS Feeds for Social Media Updates - Blog Updates - Easily contact Staff via the directory - And More!

About

The Circle

Connect with fellow students at UConn through a dedicated chat board, dormitory filters, and student profiles. Discover campus events, dorm activities, and dining hall menus in a safe and relevant environment.

Highlights
  • University chat board
  • Dormitory filters
  • Student profiles
  • Dormitory profiles
  • Dining menu access
  • Campus event updates
Features
Read full description

The Circle: Connect and Communicate at UConn Welcome to The Circle, the ultimate communication platform for UConn students! The Circle is designed to foster connections and enhance your university experience by providing a vibrant chat board exclusive to the UConn community. Here's what The Circle has to offer: Key Features: University Chat Board: Engage in lively discussions and stay connected with fellow UConn students on our exclusive university chat board. Share ideas, ask questions, and make new friends within the UConn community. Dormitory Filters: Easily filter conversations by dormitory to connect with residents in your own dorm or explore what's happening in other dorms. Stay informed about events, activities, and news specific to each dormitory. Student Profiles: Create a personalized profile to showcase your interests, major, and dorm. Browse and connect with other students' profiles to build your campus network and make meaningful connections. Dorm Profiles: Each dormitory has its own profile, featuring information about its amenities, events, and resident activities. Stay updated on what's happening in your dorm and discover what's going on in others. Dining Menu: Stay informed about the UConn dining menu right within the app. Check out daily dining options, special meals, and dietary accommodations to plan your meals efficiently. Why Choose The Circle? Exclusively for UConn Students: Our platform is designed exclusively for the UConn community, ensuring a safe and relevant environment for all users. Stay Connected: Whether you want to chat with classmates, find out what's happening in your dorm, or see what's on the menu, The Circle keeps you connected to campus life. User-Friendly Interface: Our intuitive design makes it easy to navigate through different features and stay engaged with your university community. Join the Conversation! Download The Circle today and start connecting with fellow UConn students. Whether you're a freshman looking to make new friends or a senior staying updated on campus events, The Circle is your go-to app for all things UConn. Download Now!

Screenshots

Small Group Network3 screens
The Circle4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: The Circle at 100% against Small Group Network's 0%. The Circle also leads on rating (3.9 vs 2.6) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 18 months). Small Group Network's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

The Circle holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 2.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 7 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of Small Group Network's written reviews are positive against 100% of The Circle's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Small Group Network ships an update every 18 months, The Circle every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Small Group Network versus The Circle: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSmall Group NetworkThe Circle
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.6 (5 ratings)3.9 (7 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings57 — better
Update frequencyEvery 18 monthsEvery 3 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterAd-supported
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS9.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size34 MB70 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperSaddleback ChurchNicholas Joseph Elsener

Customer experience

Small Group Network

All ratings5 ratings
Positive40.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative60.0%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

The Circle

All ratings7 ratings
Positive71.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative28.6%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Small Group Network

No in-app purchases

None

The Circle

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Small Group Network free?
Small Group Network is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is The Circle free?
The Circle is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Small Group Network or The Circle?
The Circle is rated higher. Small Group Network averages 2.6 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while The Circle averages 3.9 from 7 ratings.
Do Small Group Network or The Circle have ads?
The Circle shows ads; Small Group Network does not.
Which is updated more often, Small Group Network or The Circle?
Small Group Network ships an update every 18 months, and The Circle every 3 days. Most recently, Small Group Network was updated on October 20, 2026 and The Circle on September 27, 2026.

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