# Common App vs PhraseNest

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Common App at none against PhraseNest's 2. Common App also leads on chart position (#59 vs unranked) and device support (3 vs 1). PhraseNest's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 9 months). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PhraseNest sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Common App asks for nothing beyond the download.

Common App ships an update every 9 months, PhraseNest every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 11, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Common App | PhraseNest |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.0 (679 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/common-app/id1533688509/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **679** | — |
| Positive reviews | 22.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Best chart rank | **#59** | — |
| Size | 16 MB | 31 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [The Common Application](https://appshunter.io/developer/1030434052) | [OptimalAI Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1854742211) |

## What reviewers say

### Common App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/common-app/id1533688509)

**Currently charting:** #59 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

Manage your college applications on the go. This app offers a secure and streamlined way to apply to over 1000 colleges, research financial aid options, and access guidance from counselors, all from your mobile device.

**Highlights:** Apply to 1000+ colleges, Research financial aid, Get counselor advice, Secure application process, Mobile convenience

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Convenient mobile app
- 👍 Same functionality as website
- 🎉 Finally available as an app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 🔑 Requires re-login every time
- 🚫 Doesn't work for transfer students

**Reported bugs**

- White screen on login
- App doesn't load past logo
- Redirects transfer students to website

**Requested features**

- Keep user logged in for longer
- Increase text box size
- Add back button navigation


### PhraseNest

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phrasenest/id6818917480)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $24.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Common App free?

Common App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is PhraseNest free?

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

### Do Common App or PhraseNest have ads?

Neither Common App nor PhraseNest shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Common App or PhraseNest?

Common App ships an update every 9 months, and PhraseNest every 4 days. Most recently, Common App was updated on November 11, 2026 and PhraseNest on November 6, 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.*