# Small Group Network vs The Circle

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.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Small Group Network | The Circle |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.6 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/small-group-network/id1261119787/reviews) | **[3.9 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-circle-connect-and-chat/id6505079642/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **7** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 18 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 34 MB | 70 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Saddleback Church](https://appshunter.io/developer/585957373) | [Nicholas Joseph Elsener](https://appshunter.io/developer/1727879121) |

## What reviewers say

### Small Group Network

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/small-group-network/id1261119787)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### The Circle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-circle-connect-and-chat/id6505079642)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


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