Comparison

Pocketdols vs MAKESTAR

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Pocketdols

Connect directly with K-POP idols through 1:1 messages, live broadcasts, and exclusive content. Receive personalized updates and send gifts to your favorite artists. Features auto-translation for global fans.

Highlights
  • 1:1 messages with artists
  • Live broadcasts with real-time interaction
  • Artist updates and feed engagement
  • Exclusive photocards and music playlists
  • Event schedules and locations
  • Send gifts to artists
Features
Read full description

Keep your idols close in your own pocket. POCKETDOLS, the only global fandom platform where you can receive 1:1 replies from artists with auto-translation ▶Artists you can meet on POCKETDOLS GoldenChild, Rocket Punch, Lee Sujeong, PARKJUNGMIN, NCHIVE, 2Z, LeeEuiJin, OHSAEBOM, VVS, MARCO, Yoo Heedo, YangSeungho, UO, ID:Earth, BAO, JAEMIN, JWiiver, Great Guys, Choi Suhwan, FISTBUMP, KISU, KANG HYEON SU, Busters, KOKOON, PRECIOUS, HASHTAG, Triger ▶A space for fans and artists only, Feed Connect with a global fandom. Check out your favorite artist’s updates, and leave likes and comments. ▶1:1 messages with artists, Secret Mail Send a heartfelt message of support to your favorite artist, no matter where you are. Receive special birthday messages from the artist on your big day. Enjoy smooth communication with real-time restricted word settings. ▶Interact with artists in real-time, LIVE Tune into live broadcasts and interact with artists in real-time. Real-time restricted word settings ensure a smooth and friendly experience. ▶Send unforgettable gifts to artists, Support Enjoy exclusive Support features only on POCKETDOLS. Unlock 100% rewards to send artists a variety of unique gifts. ▶Check out artists' performances at a glance View locations, dates, and times of upcoming shows and enjoy live events from your favorite artists. ▶Exclusive content Discover artist photocards available only on POCKETDOLS. Add songs by POCKETDOLS artists to your personal Playlist anytime. [Official POCKETDOLS SNS] X: @POCKETDOLS_ Instagram: @my_pocketdols [Inquiries about POCKETDOLS] cs@pocketdols.com ▷ All profits generated by POCKETDOLS are shared with the artists

About

MAKESTAR

Discover a vibrant hub for K-Culture enthusiasts. This app provides access to exclusive artist content and updates, allowing you to stay connected with your favorite Korean entertainment.

Highlights
  • K-Culture hub
  • Artist content updates
  • Photo uploads
  • Notification settings
Read full description

K-Culture place that everyone visits first Meet MAKESTAR as a mobile app! Permission Information - Photos (Optional): Load photos from your photo library - Notifications (Optional): Artist content update notifications

Screenshots

Pocketdols4 screens
MAKESTAR3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Pocketdols at 3.9 against MAKESTAR's 1.3. Pocketdols also leads on review sentiment (33% vs 12%) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 3 weeks). MAKESTAR's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Pocketdols sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. MAKESTAR asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Pocketdols holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 1.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 12 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of Pocketdols's written reviews are positive against 12% of MAKESTAR's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Pocketdols ships an update every 10 days, MAKESTAR every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Pocketdols versus MAKESTAR: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPocketdolsMAKESTAR
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.9 (8 ratings) — better1.3 (12 ratings)
Positive reviews32.5% of reviews — better12.2% of reviews
Number of ratings812 — better
Update frequencyEvery 10 days — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesAd-supported — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS16.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size146 MB29 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerneohago Co., Ltd.Makestar Co.,Ltd.

Customer experience

Pocketdols

All ratings8 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral37.5%
Negative12.5%
Written reviews80 reviews
Positive32.5%
Neutral20.0%
Negative47.5%

MAKESTAR

All ratings12 ratings
Positive8.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative91.7%
Written reviews49 reviews
Positive12.2%
Neutral8.2%
Negative79.6%

In-app purchases

10 purchases

Pocketdols

Subscriptions4
  • Pocketdols Subscription Slot 1$2.991 Month
  • Pocketdols Subscription Slot 2$2.991 Month
  • Pocketdols Subscription Slot 3$2.991 Month
Show 1 more
  • Pocketdols Subscription Slot 4$2.991 Month
One-time6
  • Pocket x 14$1.99
  • Pocket x 28$3.99
  • Pocket x 42$5.99
Show 3 more
  • Pocket x 73$9.99
  • Pocket x 146$19.99
  • Pocket x 292$39.99
None

MAKESTAR

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Pocketdols free?
Pocketdols is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is MAKESTAR free?
MAKESTAR is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Pocketdols or MAKESTAR?
Pocketdols is rated higher. Pocketdols averages 3.9 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while MAKESTAR averages 1.3 from 12 ratings.
Do Pocketdols or MAKESTAR have ads?
Pocketdols shows ads; MAKESTAR does not.
Which is updated more often, Pocketdols or MAKESTAR?
Pocketdols ships an update every 10 days, and MAKESTAR every 3 weeks. Most recently, Pocketdols was updated on November 3, 2026 and MAKESTAR on October 30, 2026.

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