# Light vs Direct Message

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Light at none against Direct Message's 16. Light also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 17.0). Direct Message's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 16 months). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Direct Message sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per 7 days. Light asks for nothing beyond the download.

Light ships an update every 16 months, Direct Message monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 8, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Light | Direct Message |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.6 (5.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/direct-message-click-to-chat/id1447952480/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **5.3K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 63.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 16 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | — | Subscription |
| Size | 11 MB | 118 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Corey Evans](https://appshunter.io/developer/957687795) | [Liger Infotech](https://appshunter.io/developer/1184303147) |

## What reviewers say

### Light

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/light/id1434650665)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Direct Message

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/direct-message-click-to-chat/id1447952480)

Enhance your messaging with tools for quick replies, scheduled messages, and AI-powered content creation. Generate stickers, translate conversations, and manage contacts efficiently. This app offers features for both personal and business communication.

**Highlights:** Quick messages, Message scheduling, AI chat and text generator, AI message translator, AI sticker generator, Business QR code generator, Split video for social media

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, iMessage stickers, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $2.49 | per 7 days |
| Remove Ads | $4.99 | per month |
| ClicktoChat Monthly Purchase | $6.99 | per month |
| Remove Ads | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Remove Ads | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Remove Ads | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Remove Ads | $19.99 | per year |
| Remove Ads | $39.99 | per year |
| Remove Ads | $39.99 | per year |
| Remove Ads | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Streamlines WhatsApp messaging
- 💡 Convenient for sending messages without saving contacts

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Compatibility issues with latest WhatsApp updates
- 💸 Excessive advertising
- 🔒 Concerns about privacy and security
- 🔋 High battery consumption

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to open WhatsApp links
- App crashes or freezes frequently
- Text messages not being delivered

**Requested features**

- Ability to change default country code
- Support for multiple WhatsApp accounts
- Option to disable ads or switch to a paid version


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Light free?

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

### Is Direct Message free?

Direct Message is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Light or Direct Message have ads?

Direct Message shows ads; Light does not.

### Which is updated more often, Light or Direct Message?

Light ships an update every 16 months, and Direct Message monthly. Most recently, Light was updated on September 8, 2026 and Direct Message on September 25, 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.*