# Jackson Free vs BuddyBand

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Jackson Free at none against BuddyBand's 4. Jackson Free also leads on device support (3 vs 1). BuddyBand's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BuddyBand sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $44.99 per month. Jackson Free asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Jackson Free against 5.0 for BuddyBand. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 2 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Jackson Free ships an update every 3 months, BuddyBand monthly. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Jackson Free | BuddyBand |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jackson-free/id1494966481/reviews) | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buddyband-location-tracker/id6474037549/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 56 MB | 23 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [THE JACKSON FREE METHODIST CHURCH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1494966480) | [Crosby Tech Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1720412776) |

## What reviewers say

### Jackson Free

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jackson-free/id1494966481)

Stay connected with your church community through this app. Access past messages, receive important updates via notifications, and easily share content. Download messages for offline listening.

**Highlights:** Watch or listen to past messages, Push notifications for updates, Share messages via social media/email, Download messages for offline listening

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### BuddyBand

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buddyband-location-tracker/id6474037549)

This wearable tracker helps caregivers monitor loved ones with autism and special needs. It offers real-time location tracking, extended battery life, and an emergency dispatch system.

**Highlights:** Real-time location tracking, Extended battery life, Boundary alerts, Emergency dispatch system, Designed for autism support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $44.99 | per month |
| Quarterly | $134.99 | per 3 months |
| Biannual | $219.99 | per 6 months |
| Annual | $369.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Jackson Free free?

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

### Is BuddyBand free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Jackson Free or BuddyBand?

Jackson Free and BuddyBand are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4 and 2 ratings respectively.

### Do Jackson Free or BuddyBand have ads?

Neither Jackson Free nor BuddyBand shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Jackson Free or BuddyBand?

Jackson Free ships an update every 3 months, and BuddyBand monthly. Most recently, Jackson Free was updated on October 24, 2026 and BuddyBand on October 24, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*