# BottleDrop vs Ziply Communicator

The clearest difference is rating: Ziply Communicator at 3.0 against BottleDrop's 2.3. Ziply Communicator also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported). BottleDrop's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 17 months) and ratings volume (104 vs 4). On price, ads, 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.

Ziply Communicator holds the better App Store score, 3.0 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BottleDrop has 104 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 11% of BottleDrop's written reviews are positive against 0% of Ziply Communicator's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

BottleDrop ships an update every 2 months, Ziply Communicator every 17 months. Both last shipped on September 21, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | BottleDrop | Ziply Communicator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.3 (104 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bottledrop/id1276690586/reviews) | **[3.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ziply-communicator/id1504905480/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **104** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **10.7% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 17 months |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 57 MB | 216 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative](https://appshunter.io/developer/1276690585) | [ZiplyFiber](https://appshunter.io/developer/1501966762) |

## What reviewers say

### BottleDrop

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bottledrop/id1276690586)

Easily return deposit containers and receive your refund. Access your account card, view your balance and bag history, and find nearby return locations. Manage your account information and receive important notifications.

**Highlights:** Return deposit containers, Receive refunds, Access account card, View account balance, Track bag history, Find return locations, Update account information

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Balance tracking functionality works reliably
- 📍 Location finder helps users find drop-off points
- 🎯 Core service concept is useful and appreciated
- 📱 Improved UI in recent updates (June 2021 onwards)
- 🔐 QR code/barcode scanning feature when functioning

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚪 Frequent unexpected logouts requiring re-authentication
- 🔑 Persistent login failures and authentication errors
- 🌐 Chronic internet connectivity issues despite active connection
- 🐛 App crashes when accessing locations tab
- 💾 Missing or non-functional transfer buttons (Venmo/PayPal/bank)

**Reported bugs**

- Unexpected logout after period of inactivity
- Login failed errors despite correct credentials
- App won't progress past splash/start screen
- Crashes when accessing locations tab
- Internet connectivity error messages despite active connection

**Requested features**

- Dark mode for reduced eye strain in low light
- Biometric authentication (Face ID, Touch ID, PIN)
- Manual QR code entry option for unscanned bags
- Transaction history and detailed bag credit breakdown
- In-app bag and label ordering


### Ziply Communicator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ziply-communicator/id1504905480)

This app extends voice communications to any WiFi-enabled device, offering audio/video calls, instant messaging, and conferencing. It requires a Ziply Fiber Hosted Voice service to function, enabling seamless business connectivity.

**Highlights:** Audio and video calls, Instant messaging, Conferencing, Rich response options, Advanced communication features

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Siri integration

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BottleDrop free?

BottleDrop is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Ziply Communicator free?

Ziply Communicator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, BottleDrop or Ziply Communicator?

Ziply Communicator is rated higher. BottleDrop averages 2.3 out of 5 from 104 ratings, while Ziply Communicator averages 3.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do BottleDrop or Ziply Communicator have ads?

Neither BottleDrop nor Ziply Communicator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BottleDrop or Ziply Communicator?

BottleDrop ships an update every 2 months, and Ziply Communicator every 17 months. Most recently, BottleDrop was updated on September 21, 2026 and Ziply Communicator on September 21, 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.*