# MGS Codec vs Vampire v5 Characters

The clearest difference is update cadence: Vampire v5 Characters at every 2 months against MGS Codec's every 9 months. MGS Codec's advantage is iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.6). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for MGS Codec against 4.8 for Vampire v5 Characters. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 60 and 29 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 90% of MGS Codec's written reviews are positive against 96% of Vampire v5 Characters's.

MGS Codec ships an update every 9 months, Vampire v5 Characters every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 3, 2026 and July 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MGS Codec | Vampire v5 Characters |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (60 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mgs-codec/id1404930853/reviews)** | [4.8 (29 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vampire-v5-characters/id1583741866/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **60** | 29 |
| Positive reviews | 89.7% of reviews | **95.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 22 MB | 53 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Salvatore Boemia](https://appshunter.io/developer/1626825955) | [Anne Bullert](https://appshunter.io/developer/1583741868) |

## What reviewers say

### MGS Codec

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mgs-codec/id1404930853)

This fanmade dialer emulates the iconic 'CODEC' style for making calls. Users can input numbers directly or select contacts from their address book to initiate calls using the custom interface. The app also features customizable themes and a fun element of discovering hidden frequencies.

**Highlights:** CODEC style dialer interface, Call contacts from address book, Customizable themes, Shake to change theme, Discover hidden frequencies

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Vampire v5 Characters

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vampire-v5-characters/id1583741866)

Create and manage your personal Kindred characters with this offline tool. Features guided and free character creation, random generators, and detailed character management. Export, share, and back up your creations easily.

**Highlights:** Guided character creation, Free character creation, Random generators, Character management, Character sheet export (PDF), Character sharing (QR/file), Character backup, Dark theme

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MGS Codec free?

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

### Is Vampire v5 Characters free?

Vampire v5 Characters is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, MGS Codec or Vampire v5 Characters?

MGS Codec is rated higher. MGS Codec averages 4.8 out of 5 from 60 ratings, while Vampire v5 Characters averages 4.8 from 29 ratings.

### Do MGS Codec or Vampire v5 Characters have ads?

Neither MGS Codec nor Vampire v5 Characters shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MGS Codec or Vampire v5 Characters?

MGS Codec ships an update every 9 months, and Vampire v5 Characters every 2 months. Most recently, MGS Codec was updated on September 3, 2026 and Vampire v5 Characters on July 31, 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.*