# eMates vs BFF Messenger

The clearest difference is review sentiment: BFF Messenger at 80% against eMates's 4%. BFF Messenger also leads on rating (4.1 vs 2.0) and ratings volume (18 vs 1). eMates's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6). On price, update cadence, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BFF Messenger sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. eMates asks for nothing beyond the download.

BFF Messenger holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BFF Messenger has 18 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 4% of eMates's written reviews are positive against 80% of BFF Messenger's.

eMates ships an update fortnightly, BFF Messenger every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | eMates | BFF Messenger |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/emates/id1573352170/reviews) | **[4.1 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bff-messenger-private-chat/id6756904676/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **18** |
| Positive reviews | 4.5% of reviews | **80.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 8 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 44 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Unilink Technology Services](https://appshunter.io/developer/1253866276) | [BFF GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PTE. LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1863588052) |

## What reviewers say

### eMates

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/emates/id1573352170)

Facilitates easy and frequent communication between prisoners and their loved ones. Aims to reduce self-harm by fostering connections and aids in prisoner rehabilitation for release.

**Highlights:** Easy prisoner communication, Secure messaging, Reduced self-harm, Release preparation assistance, Frequent and varied communication

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Essential service for communication
- 👍 Better than nothing

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezes
- 🐛 Messages not sending or receiving
- 🐛 Login issues and account problems
- 🐛 Payment issues and money lost
- 🐛 Poor customer support

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes frequently
- Messages fail to send or are lost
- Messages fail to receive
- Login screen freezes or doesn't respond
- Cannot log in even with correct credentials

**Requested features**

- Improve app stability and reliability
- Fix message sending and receiving issues
- Resolve login and account access problems
- Address payment and credit issues
- Enhance customer support responsiveness


### BFF Messenger

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bff-messenger-private-chat/id6756904676)

Connect globally with a secure messaging and calling app designed for privacy. Easily make calls, chat in groups, and share life's moments with advanced encryption and biometric security features.

**Highlights:** Secure messaging and calling, Email registration, Group chat functionality, QR code friend adding, Biometric chat encryption, Multiple message sharing options, Nearby user matching, Intelligent address book management

**Features:** Siri integration, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VIP Weekly Pass | $0.99 | one-time |
| SVIP Weekly Pass (1.49) | $1.49 | one-time |
| VIP Monthly Pass | $3.99 | one-time |
| SVIP Monthly Pass | $5.99 | one-time |
| VIP Yearly Pass | $30.99 | one-time |
| SVIP Yearly Pass | $46.49 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is eMates free?

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

### Is BFF Messenger free?

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

### Which has better reviews, eMates or BFF Messenger?

BFF Messenger is rated higher. eMates averages 2.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while BFF Messenger averages 4.1 from 18 ratings.

### Do eMates or BFF Messenger have ads?

Neither eMates nor BFF Messenger shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, eMates or BFF Messenger?

eMates ships an update fortnightly, and BFF Messenger every 8 days. Most recently, eMates was updated on October 27, 2026 and BFF Messenger on October 26, 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.*