# Saddleback App vs HeyFriend

The clearest difference is review sentiment: HeyFriend at 100% against Saddleback App's 38%. HeyFriend also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.0). Saddleback App's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ratings volume (107 vs 3). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. HeyFriend sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Saddleback App asks for nothing beyond the download.

HeyFriend holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Saddleback App has 107 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 38% of Saddleback App's written reviews are positive against 100% of HeyFriend's.

Saddleback App ships an update weekly, HeyFriend every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Saddleback App | HeyFriend |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (107 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/saddleback-app/id1439353436/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heyfriend-talk-and-learn/id6756453539/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **107** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 38.1% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 68 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 17.2 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Saddleback Church](https://appshunter.io/developer/585957373) | [Thoughtful Code LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1860718423) |

## What reviewers say

### Saddleback App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/saddleback-app/id1439353436)

This app helps you stay connected with your church community. Access messages, find resources, and discover opportunities to grow in your faith and get involved.

**Highlights:** Access weekend services and past messages, Explore helpful resources and daily inspiration, Discover opportunities for faith growth, Join small groups and volunteer, Receive event notifications and updates

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### HeyFriend

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heyfriend-talk-and-learn/id6756453539)

Engage in guided AI conversations to process emotions, gain self-awareness, and build emotional strength. Discover insights into your feelings and receive personalized recommendations for growth and habit building. Move forward from challenges with clarity and understanding.

**Highlights:** Guided AI conversations, Emotional insight discovery, Personalized recommendations, Growth tracking, Habit building, Self-awareness development

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HeyFriend Plus Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| HeyFriend Plus Yearly | $34.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Saddleback App free?

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

### Is HeyFriend free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Saddleback App or HeyFriend?

HeyFriend is rated higher. Saddleback App averages 4.0 out of 5 from 107 ratings, while HeyFriend averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Saddleback App or HeyFriend have ads?

Neither Saddleback App nor HeyFriend shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Saddleback App or HeyFriend?

Saddleback App ships an update weekly, and HeyFriend every 5 days. Most recently, Saddleback App was updated on October 24, 2026 and HeyFriend on October 24, 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.*