Comparison

Simply Filter SMS vs Gandalfone

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Simply Filter SMS

This privacy-focused app helps you manage your text messages by automatically filtering unwanted messages from unknown senders into designated folders. It uses AI and customizable rules to organize your inbox, supporting multiple languages and devices.

Highlights
  • AI-powered spam filtering
  • Customizable keyword and regex rules
  • Automatic message sorting to Junk, Promotions, or Transactions
  • On-device processing for privacy
  • Multi-language support
  • Export/Import filters
  • Native iPad support
Features
Read full description

Take back control of your inbox. Simply Filter SMS is a privacy-first, open-source text message filter for iPhone and iPad. Create keyword rules and smart filters to automatically move unwanted messages from unknown senders to Junk, Promotions, or Transactions - completely on-device. What's new in this version: • Export & Import Filters - Share your filter setup with a friend. Export from Filter Tools in the menu and send the file. • Test Your Filters - Redesigned with live results so you can see matches instantly. • Help - Redesigned with FAQs and a Get Started guide. • Accent Color - Pick an accent from the menu; buttons and icons follow it across the app. In case you missed, here's what was updated recently: • Regex Filters - Create powerful pattern-matching filters using regular expressions for precise control. • AI Filtering - Automatic filtering is AI-powered, smarter and more accurate, with support for 10 languages including English, Hebrew, Spanish, French, German, Arabic, and more. • Trusted Countries - Automatically allow messages from specific countries by phone prefix. • 11 Languages - The app is available in English, Hebrew, Spanish, French, German, Arabic, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Simplified Chinese. • Accessibility Support - Fully usable with VoiceOver, Voice Control, Dynamic Type, and Reduce Motion. • Native iPad Support - Full iPad experience with sidebar navigation and optimized layouts for larger screens. • Tip Jar - Support the app's development with an optional tip. Simply Filter SMS is free forever. • Multiple bug fixes and performance improvements.

About

Gandalfone

This app filters unwanted spam, phishing, and promotional messages from your inbox. It offers customizable controls like blacklists and whitelists, ensuring your messages are private and secure as all filtering occurs on your device.

Highlights
  • Intelligent spam filtering
  • Phishing attempt detection
  • Customizable blacklists and whitelists
  • On-device privacy
  • Personalized SMS filtering rules
Features
Read full description

Welcome to Gandalfone, the ultimate solution to keep your messaging experience clean, organized, and free from unwanted distractions. Say goodbye to spam, and hello to a clutter-free inbox! Why Gandalfone? Intelligent Spam Filtering: Our advanced algorithms work tirelessly to filter out spam, phishing attempts, and unwanted promotional messages. Enjoy an inbox that's focused solely on what matters to you. Customizable Controls: Tailor your SMS filtering with personalized settings. Create and manage blacklists, whitelist essential contacts, and set up custom rules that suit your messaging needs. Privacy-Focused: Your privacy is our priority. All filtering happens on your device, ensuring your messages remain private and secure. Support and Feedback Your feedback helps us grow and improve. Please share your thoughts and suggestions with us through the app or our support email.

Screenshots

Simply Filter SMS4 screens
Gandalfone4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Simply Filter SMS at 4.4 against Gandalfone's 3.6. Simply Filter SMS also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months) and review sentiment (79% vs 62%). Gandalfone's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Simply Filter SMS sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Gandalfone asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Simply Filter SMS holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 72 and 17 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 79% of Simply Filter SMS's written reviews are positive against 62% of Gandalfone's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Simply Filter SMS ships an update every 9 days, Gandalfone every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Simply Filter SMS versus Gandalfone: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSimply Filter SMSGandalfone
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (72 ratings) — better3.6 (17 ratings)
Positive reviews78.8% of reviews — better61.5% of reviews
Number of ratings72 — better17
Update frequencyEvery 9 days — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAdi Ben-DahanAudrey SOBGOU ZEBAZE

Customer experience

Simply Filter SMS

All ratings72 ratings
Positive86.1%
Neutral0.0%
Negative13.9%
Written reviews33 reviews
Positive78.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative21.2%

Gandalfone

All ratings16 ratings
Positive62.5%
Neutral6.3%
Negative31.3%
Written reviews13 reviews
Positive61.5%
Neutral7.7%
Negative30.8%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Simply Filter SMS

One-time3
  • Small Tip$1.99
  • Medium Tip$4.99
  • Large Tip$9.99
None

Gandalfone

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Simply Filter SMS free?
Simply Filter SMS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Gandalfone free?
Gandalfone is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Simply Filter SMS or Gandalfone?
Simply Filter SMS is rated higher. Simply Filter SMS averages 4.4 out of 5 from 72 ratings, while Gandalfone averages 3.6 from 17 ratings.
Do Simply Filter SMS or Gandalfone have ads?
Neither Simply Filter SMS nor Gandalfone shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Simply Filter SMS or Gandalfone?
Simply Filter SMS ships an update every 9 days, and Gandalfone every 2 months. Most recently, Simply Filter SMS was updated on November 7, 2026 and Gandalfone on November 3, 2026.

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