# MERLIN vs Bugali

The clearest difference is update cadence: Bugali at fortnightly against MERLIN's every 5 weeks. MERLIN's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for MERLIN against 5.0 for Bugali. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 4 respectively.

MERLIN ships an update every 5 weeks, Bugali fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MERLIN | Bugali |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merlin-gerer-mon-enceinte/id1586009993/reviews) | [5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bugali/id1639873160/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **4** |
| Positive reviews | 82.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 44 MB | 28 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [La Chouette Radio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1586009995) | [BUGALI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1639873162) |

## What reviewers say

### MERLIN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merlin-gerer-mon-enceinte/id1586009993)

This app allows users to manage their Merlin audio speaker by registering the device, transferring audio content, and setting listening times. It provides access to over 1000 audio titles for children aged 3-12, with new content added monthly. It offers an ad-free, screen-free listening experience.

**Highlights:** Register Merlin audio speaker, Transfer audio titles wirelessly, Explore 1000+ audio titles, Set listening time limits, Access Bayard Jeunesse content, Screen-free and wave-free listening

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Bugali

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bugali/id1639873160)

This app activates and configures a dedicated console for children, offering a library of curated books and original content. It also features "Kidologie," a media section exploring child development and science.

**Highlights:** Console activation and configuration, Curated children's book library, Original book creations, Kidologie: child science media, Updates for sound creations

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MERLIN free?

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

### Is Bugali free?

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

### Which has better reviews, MERLIN or Bugali?

MERLIN and Bugali are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 3 and 4 ratings respectively.

### Do MERLIN or Bugali have ads?

Neither MERLIN nor Bugali shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MERLIN or Bugali?

MERLIN ships an update every 5 weeks, and Bugali fortnightly. Most recently, MERLIN was updated on November 7, 2026 and Bugali 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.*