Are.na vs Present IRL
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.
Present IRL
Connect with friends and join events in real life. This private social app prioritizes genuine connections without algorithms, ads, or data selling. Currently in early access, requiring an invite to join.
- Connect in real life
- Share and join moments
- Private by default
- No algorithms
- No ads or data selling
- Early access with invite
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From casual hangs to large gatherings, you can share and join moments with those you actually want to stay connected to. Your account is private by default with no algorithms, ads or selling of your data. Present IRL is currently in early access. Join with an invite from someone already on.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Present IRL at weekly against Are.na's fortnightly. Present IRL also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Are.na ships an update fortnightly, Present IRL weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Are.na | Present IRL |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (357 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 52.1% of reviews — better | 50.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 357 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 85 MB | 38 MB |
| Age rating | +17 | 17+ |
| Developer | When It Changed Inc. | Present IRL LLC |
Customer experience
Are.na
Present IRL
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
Present IRL
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Are.na
No in-app purchases
Present IRL
No in-app purchases
