# Making Authentic Friendships vs NerdSync

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: NerdSync at none against Making Authentic Friendships's 5. NerdSync also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 4 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Making Authentic Friendships sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. NerdSync asks for nothing beyond the download.

Making Authentic Friendships ships an update every 4 weeks, NerdSync every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Making Authentic Friendships | NerdSync |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.9 (67 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/making-authentic-friendships/id1538026980/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **67** | — |
| Positive reviews | 34.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 56 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Juliana Fetherman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1538026982) | [Kenneth Sevier](https://appshunter.io/developer/1888816043) |

## What reviewers say

### Making Authentic Friendships

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/making-authentic-friendships/id1538026980)

This social network connects individuals with special needs and their families. It provides a safe and supportive space for users to build meaningful connections and find community.

**Highlights:** Connect with special needs individuals, Connect with loved ones, Build meaningful connections, Find community, Supportive environment

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Month Member Subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| 1 Year Member Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| 10 Coins | $4.99 | one-time |
| 20 Coins | $9.99 | one-time |
| 50 Coins | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helps make authentic friendships
- 👍 Positive impact on confidence and happiness
- 👍 Creates a sense of belonging
- 👍 Supports users with neurodivergence
- 👍 Helpful for making connections

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Expensive subscription model
- 💸 Misleading free trial claims
- 💸 Charges users with limited income
- 💸 App is not free
- 💸 Predatory pricing

**Reported bugs**

- App takes a long time to load
- App is slow and buggy
- App freezes after login
- Cannot exit subscription screen
- Charged after canceling free trial

**Requested features**

- Allow users to set age filters
- Improve friend suggestion intelligence
- Add more descriptors for cognitive abilities/challenges
- Offer a version for younger teens (11-16)
- Expand filters for interests and locations


### NerdSync

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerdsync/id6761314281)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Making Authentic Friendships free?

Making Authentic Friendships is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is NerdSync free?

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

### Do Making Authentic Friendships or NerdSync have ads?

Neither Making Authentic Friendships nor NerdSync shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Making Authentic Friendships or NerdSync?

Making Authentic Friendships ships an update every 4 weeks, and NerdSync every 9 days. Most recently, Making Authentic Friendships was updated on October 3, 2026 and NerdSync on October 2, 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.*