# VideoPals vs PenPal Messenger

The clearest difference is ads: PenPal Messenger at none against VideoPals's shown. PenPal Messenger also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported). VideoPals's advantage is rating (3.3 vs 3.0) and update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

VideoPals holds the better App Store score, 3.3 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 17 and 4 respectively.

VideoPals ships an update monthly, PenPal Messenger every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VideoPals | PenPal Messenger |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.3 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/videopals/id1544974817/reviews)** | [3.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/penpal-messenger/id6450924358/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **17** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 67 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [VideoPals](https://appshunter.io/developer/1544974819) | [Manny P Media LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1695717335) |

## What reviewers say

### VideoPals

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/videopals/id1544974817)

Connect with people globally through video introductions and direct messaging. Discover new friends by watching their intro videos and sending pal requests. Engage in text or video chats to build lasting connections.

**Highlights:** Watch intro videos, Swipe through profiles, Send pal requests, Text chat, Video chat, Global community

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### PenPal Messenger

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/penpal-messenger/id6450924358)

This social networking app facilitates anonymous conversations between matched participants for four weeks. It's designed to foster meaningful connections through a unique dating experience, culminating in a voice call and a formal date.

**Highlights:** Anonymous messaging, Participant matching, Scheduled voice calls, Formal date arrangements, Unique dating experience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VideoPals free?

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

### Is PenPal Messenger free?

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

### Which has better reviews, VideoPals or PenPal Messenger?

VideoPals is rated higher. VideoPals averages 3.3 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while PenPal Messenger averages 3.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do VideoPals or PenPal Messenger have ads?

VideoPals shows ads; PenPal Messenger does not.

### Which is updated more often, VideoPals or PenPal Messenger?

VideoPals ships an update monthly, and PenPal Messenger every 3 months. Most recently, VideoPals was updated on November 7, 2026 and PenPal Messenger on November 3, 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.*