Are.na vs NOVA
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Are.na
This platform allows creatives and researchers to save and organize any type of content into collections. It provides a distraction-free space to connect and build ideas, fostering collaboration and community. It is independent, ad-free, and algorithm-free.
- Save any content type
- Organize into collections
- Distraction-free space
- Collaborate on projects
- Share ideas privately or publicly
- Thoughtful community
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Since 2011, Are.na has been the platform of choice for creative researchers, designers, artists, academics, and rabbit-hole enthusiasts. Completely independent, free from ads, algorithms, and unhealthy business practices, Are.na is a calm, thoughtful space for you to connect your ideas and build new ones. - Save any kind of content into collections. - Organize links, videos, images, and texts in a clean, distraction-free space. - Share ideas and collaborate on projects with anyone, anywhere. - Invite friends to work together privately or in public. - Tap into a thoughtful community where curiosity is valued. - Break out of your filter bubble. Are.na is powered by people, not ads.
NOVA
This platform connects creative professionals with clients seeking talent. Artists can build networks, showcase work, and find job opportunities. Clients gain direct access to vetted freelance creative talent.
- Network building for artists
- Portfolio display for creatives
- Access to job opportunities
- Direct client access to talent
- Application-based community
- Community guidelines enforcement
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NOVA is the curated freelancer platform for the next generation of creatives. Our mission is to provide Network, Opportunity, and Visibility to Artists. For creatives, NOVA is a first-of-its-kind multi application platform for artists to build their network, display their work, and easily access job opportunities. For clients, NOVA is the next evolution of creative hiring, providing a direct link to top freelance creative talent. _ At NOVA, our priority is community, which is why we are an application-based platform. Prospective members should download the mobile app here and submit an application. As a creative, we'll ask you to include information like skills and past project work. As a client, we'll ask you to include your company name and job title. Once you've submitted an application, it will be placed into the queue to be reviewed by our board of creatives and internal team. You could receive your acceptance at any time, so keep your push notifications on! Once admitted, creatives and clients will have full-access to the platform. Users must continuously abide by our community guidelines of integrity, professionalism, and privacy. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Are.na at 4.9 against NOVA's 4.3. Are.na also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and review sentiment (52% vs 36%). NOVA's advantage is chart position (#124 vs unranked) and ratings volume (1.2K vs 315). On price, update cadence, ads 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
Both are free to download. NOVA sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month. Are.na asks for nothing beyond the download.
Are.na holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 315 and 1.2K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of Are.na's written reviews are positive against 36% of NOVA's.
Are.na ships an update every 4 weeks, NOVA every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Are.na | NOVA |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (315 ratings) — better | 4.3 (1.2K ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 52.1% of reviews — better | 36.2% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 315 | 1.2K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | #124 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 81 MB | 143 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | When It Changed Inc. | Nova Network Inc. |
Customer experience
Are.na
NOVA
User reviews
Are.na
From 315 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Fast and clean
- 👍 Minimalist and accessible
- 🖤 Great community and content
- 🖤 Inspiring and creative
- 🖤 Organically curated experience
Room to improve
- 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
- 🐛 Laggy performance
- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🐛 Unintuitive navigation
- 🐛 Limited functionality compared to website
NOVA
From 1.2K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 💫 Best apps for creatives hands down!
- 🌟 Game changing for creatives
- 🎨 Wonderful!
- 🤝 Probably the best way for creatives to connect
- 🎨 Excellent Platform
Room to improve
- 🤷♀️ No support
- 🤦♂️ Not looking out for the little guy
- 🔒 Can't get in
- 🤯 Ummm
- 🐛 App Crashes Too Often
Bugs and requests
Are.na
Reported bugs
5 issues- Inability to login or sign up
- Blocks not loading or duplicating
- App crashing when viewing GIFs/animations
- Inconsistent behavior across iOS versions
- Navigation issues due to 'Dynamic Island'
Requested features
5 requests- Ability to sort channels by connections
- Landscape mode support on iPad
- Password reset functionality
- Multiple image/video uploads
- Improved channel management
NOVA
Reported bugs
3 issues- Crashes
- Freezing
- Buggy application process
Requested features
4 requests- Web Access
- Saved filter settings
- Notifications
- Profile customization
In-app purchases
Are.na
No in-app purchases
NOVA
- Nova Pro (Monthly)7 Days trial$12.991 Month
- Nova Pro (Yearly)7 Days trial$99.991 Year
- Nova Pro (Day Pass)$3.99







