# Texter vs Essential Artisan

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Essential Artisan at none against Texter's 10. Essential Artisan also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). Texter's advantage is device support (4 vs 2). On price, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Texter sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Essential Artisan asks for nothing beyond the download.

Texter ships an update monthly, Essential Artisan every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Texter | Essential Artisan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/texter-second-texting-number/id1491761865/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1.2K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 20.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 78 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [App Toro](https://appshunter.io/developer/1003781256) | [LYTICAL TECHNOLOGY LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1634678319) |

## What reviewers say

### Texter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/texter-second-texting-number/id1491761865)

This app provides a private, disposable phone number for sending and receiving texts and making calls globally. It offers a simple, contract-free solution for privacy without needing a separate device or cell plan. Enjoy transparent fees and full control over your number.

**Highlights:** Disposable phone numbers, Send and receive texts, Make international calls, No contract required, Transparent fee calculator, No advertisements

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Texting Number (weekly) | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| 2nd Texting Number (weekly) | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Texting Number (monthly) | $7.99 | per month |
| 2nd Texting Number (monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| 2nd Texting Number (yearly) | $69.99 | per year |
| 100 Credits | $2.99 | one-time |
| Change Phone Number | $4.99 | one-time |
| 300 Credits | $6.99 | one-time |
| Change Phone Number | $9.99 | one-time |
| 900 Credits | $17.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Efficient way for secret communication
- 🚀 Simple and straightforward to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Unable to call or text US numbers
- 💰 Expensive and requires purchasing credits
- 🔒 Difficult to cancel subscription
- ⚠️ Unreliable service, messages may or may not be delivered

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or freezes
- Inconsistent behavior, sometimes works, sometimes doesn't

**Requested features**

- Free trial option
- Ability to use app in more countries


### Essential Artisan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/essential-artisan/id6711329260)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Texter free?

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

### Is Essential Artisan free?

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

### Do Texter or Essential Artisan have ads?

Neither Texter nor Essential Artisan shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Texter or Essential Artisan?

Texter ships an update monthly, and Essential Artisan every 2 months. Most recently, Texter was updated on October 26, 2026 and Essential Artisan on October 7, 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.*