SP3RN vs HBCU Social +
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
SP3RN
A social network designed for Catholics, inspired by the evangelization efforts of St. Maximilian Kolbe. Connect with others through an activity stream, conversations, groups, and events. Enjoy features like polls, video and audio sharing, and customizable light/dark modes.
- Activity stream
- Conversations
- Groups and Pages
- Events
- Polls
- Video and audio sharing
- Light and dark mode
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St. Maximilian Kolbe did a test broadcast in Poland in early December of 1938 and was heard from the station whose call-sign was spelled Stacja Polska 3 Radio Niepokalanów (SP3RN). He had a passion for using the technology of his day in order to reach souls. It is in that same spirit that SP3RN was developed as a social network for Catholics. Features include: activity stream, conversations, groups, pages, events, polls, videos and audio. There is also the ability to switch between a light and dark mode.
HBCU Social +
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HBCU Social is a one-stop shop mobile app designed to empower and unite the HBCU community from undergraduates to alumni. This app is different than any other HBCU app that is out there, because this app is a networking platform that was built to empower and uplift the vibrant HBCU community. The app will also provide college students, alumni, faculty/staff and the Divine 9 the opportunity to build friendships, study partners and networking. Additionally, there will have access to job listings, internships and other events that are targeted specifically to the HBCU community. The HBCU Social app is not for the common user base of the App Store, it is a community-based app that will serve the entire HBCU community. HBCU Social is solving the needs for students and alumni to expand their network of other HBCU students and alumni. But more than that, HBCU Social will give the HBCU community access to information about jobs, internships and other information that they may not easily have access to.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SP3RN at none against HBCU Social +'s 1. SP3RN also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.1). On price, update cadence, ads 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. HBCU Social + sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $1.99 per month. SP3RN asks for nothing beyond the download.
SP3RN ships an update every 2 months, HBCU Social + every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 12, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SP3RN | HBCU Social + |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.5 (41 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 41 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 6 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 66 MB | 82 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Abdon Solutions LLC | Kimberly Kisner |
In-app purchases
SP3RN
No in-app purchases
HBCU Social +
- Full access app$1.991 Month
