Pocketdols vs MAKESTAR
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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
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.
- K-Culture hub
- Artist content updates
- Photo uploads
- Notification settings
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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
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Pocketdols at 3.9 against MAKESTAR's 1.3. Pocketdols also leads on review sentiment (33% vs 13%). MAKESTAR's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 11) and ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, update cadence 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
Both are free to download. Pocketdols sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. MAKESTAR asks for nothing beyond the download.
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 13% of MAKESTAR's.
Pocketdols ships an update every 10 days, MAKESTAR fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and August 27, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Pocketdols | MAKESTAR |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.9 (8 ratings) — better | 1.3 (12 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 32.5% of reviews — better | 12.5% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 8 | 12 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days — better | Fortnightly |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Ad-supported — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 145 MB | 27 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | neohago Co., Ltd. | Makestar Co.,Ltd. |
Customer experience
Pocketdols
MAKESTAR
In-app purchases
Pocketdols
- Pocketdols Subscription Slot 1$2.991 Month
- Pocketdols Subscription Slot 2$2.991 Month
- Pocketdols Subscription Slot 3$2.991 Month
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- Pocketdols Subscription Slot 4$2.991 Month
- Pocket x 14$1.99
- Pocket x 28$3.99
- Pocket x 42$5.99
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- Pocket x 73$9.99
- Pocket x 146$19.99
- Pocket x 292$39.99
MAKESTAR
No in-app purchases
