# BlackList Messages vs Numlab

The clearest difference is review sentiment: BlackList Messages at 40% against Numlab's 0%. BlackList Messages also leads on rating (2.6 vs 2.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 7). Numlab's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (monthly vs every 4 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Numlab sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days. BlackList Messages asks for nothing beyond the download.

BlackList Messages holds the better App Store score, 2.6 against 2.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 23 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 40% of BlackList Messages's written reviews are positive against 0% of Numlab's.

BlackList Messages ships an update every 4 months, Numlab monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 13, 2026 and June 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BlackList Messages | Numlab |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.6 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blacklist-messages/id1463968393/reviews)** | [2.0 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/numlab-unknown-numbers/id1507749352/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **23** |
| Positive reviews | **40.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 7 MB | 39 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Emanuele Floris](https://appshunter.io/developer/597490842) | [Appvas Consulting Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1493504195) |

## What reviewers say

### BlackList Messages

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blacklist-messages/id1463968393)

Block unwanted SMS messages by customizing your blacklist with various criteria. Create a whitelist to exempt specific contacts from being blocked. Never worry about SMS spam again with this productivity tool.

**Highlights:** Block unwanted SMS messages, Customize blacklist criteria, Create a whitelist for exceptions, Prevent SMS spam, Supports iPhone and iPod

**In-app purchases:** none


### Numlab

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/numlab-unknown-numbers/id1507749352)

Identify unknown callers and block spam with this phone number lookup tool. Access a constantly updated database of scam numbers and create your own blacklist for enhanced call protection. Get insights into who is calling before you answer.

**Highlights:** Identify unknown callers, Block spam and scam callers, Updated scam number database, Create custom blacklists, Call protection features, Unlimited inquiries (premium)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium | $29.99 | per month |
| 100 Diamond | $29.99 | one-time |
| 250 Diamond | $39.99 | one-time |
| 500 Diamond | $49.99 | one-time |
| 1000 Diamond | $59.99 | one-time |
| 3000 Diamond | $89.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BlackList Messages free?

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

### Is Numlab free?

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

### Which has better reviews, BlackList Messages or Numlab?

BlackList Messages is rated higher. BlackList Messages averages 2.6 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Numlab averages 2.0 from 23 ratings.

### Do BlackList Messages or Numlab have ads?

BlackList Messages shows ads; Numlab does not.

### Which is updated more often, BlackList Messages or Numlab?

BlackList Messages ships an update every 4 months, and Numlab monthly. Most recently, BlackList Messages was updated on September 13, 2026 and Numlab on June 5, 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.*