# Gopher Request vs shiftNOW

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Gopher Request at 80% against shiftNOW's 42%. shiftNOW's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (483 vs 127). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

shiftNOW holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 127 and 483 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 80% of Gopher Request's written reviews are positive against 42% of shiftNOW's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Gopher Request ships an update every 11 days, shiftNOW every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Gopher Request | shiftNOW |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (127 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gopher-request/id1438150218/reviews) | **[4.6 (483 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shiftnow/id1642741252/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 127 | **483** |
| Positive reviews | **79.6% of reviews** | 42.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 11 days | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 117 MB | 78 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Gopher, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1438128904) | [ShiftNOW](https://appshunter.io/developer/1642741254) |

## What reviewers say

### Gopher Request

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gopher-request/id1438150218)

This app connects users with local individuals for a wide range of services and tasks. Simply describe your needs, set your price, and local "Gophers" will accept and complete the job. It's a direct way to hire help for errands, deliveries, repairs, and more from your community.

**Highlights:** Request diverse services, Set your own price, Connect with local helpers, Direct communication with workers, Rate and favorite providers, Same-hour service options

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly and easy to use
- 🚀 Fast and efficient service
- 🤝 Great for odd jobs and errands
- 💡 Innovative concept for community help
- 🌟 Excellent customer service

**What reviewers complain about**

- 📉 Lack of active users/couriers
- ⏳ Long wait times for service
- 🐛 Glitchy and buggy software
- 🚫 Unreliable service at times
- ⚠️ Potential for legal issues due to third-party nature

**Reported bugs**

- Software is glitchy and buggy
- Unable to type in card numbers
- Requests disappear after closing the app
- System returns error messages during sign-up
- Username/email taken but no password reset link

**Requested features**

- Improve app stability and reduce glitches
- Increase the number of active couriers
- Faster support response times
- More reliable transaction processing
- Better user interface for inputting information


### shiftNOW

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shiftnow/id1642741252)

This app connects hospitality businesses with a network of vetted workers, offering flexible job opportunities. Businesses can post various roles and manage hiring efficiently, while workers gain access to competitive pay and instant payouts.

**Highlights:** Post one-time, part-time, or full-time opportunities, Access a network of vetted hospitality professionals, Manage workforce needs from mobile, Save time and money on hiring, Flexible work opportunities, Competitive earning opportunities, Instant payout process

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly interface and easy setup
- 💰 Quick payment processing (24-48 hours)
- 🎯 Flexible scheduling and shift selection
- 🤝 Helpful customer service
- 🌟 Great networking and community building

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app glitches and technical issues
- 💸 Excessive fees and payment delays
- 📍 Limited geographic availability (only SC/TN)
- 🔐 Demands excessive personal data upfront
- ⏳ Poor shift management and communication

**Reported bugs**

- Next button non-functional on profile setup screen
- Wallet setup screen button not responding
- Profile video upload repeatedly rejected despite meeting requirements
- App crashes during profile creation
- Pending shift status not updating after shifts are filled

**Requested features**

- Show service areas before requiring full profile completion
- Direct messaging between shifters and employers
- Real-time shift status updates (filled/cancelled)
- Confirmation system when employers select workers
- Ability for employers to modify shift requirements without cancelling


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Gopher Request free?

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

### Is shiftNOW free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Gopher Request or shiftNOW?

shiftNOW is rated higher. Gopher Request averages 4.3 out of 5 from 127 ratings, while shiftNOW averages 4.6 from 483 ratings.

### Do Gopher Request or shiftNOW have ads?

Neither Gopher Request nor shiftNOW shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Gopher Request or shiftNOW?

Gopher Request ships an update every 11 days, and shiftNOW every 9 days. Most recently, Gopher Request was updated on October 8, 2026 and shiftNOW on October 9, 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.*