# SmartChat vs Emberglow

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SmartChat at none against Emberglow's 3. SmartChat also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). Emberglow's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 weeks). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Emberglow sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. SmartChat asks for nothing beyond the download.

SmartChat ships an update every 5 weeks, Emberglow every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SmartChat | Emberglow |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/emberglow-digital-detox/id6744365788/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **4** |
| Positive reviews | — | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 35 MB | 84 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [SmartHotel sp. z o.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1494054450) | [Vaedros Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1807328427) |

## What reviewers say

### SmartChat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartchat-beyond-borders/id1613365303)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Emberglow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/emberglow-digital-detox/id6744365788)

This app transforms screen breaks into an RPG adventure. Lock your phone to send your hero on quests, and return to discover unfolding stories and rewards. It encourages reducing screen time and reconnecting with real life.

**Highlights:** Digital detox RPG, Progress happens offline, Mindful design, no ads, Branching storylines, Co-op quests, Reflection journal, Screen time control

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| unQuest Circle Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| unQuest Circle Annual | $29.99 | per year |
| unQuest Circle Lifetime Access | $79.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SmartChat free?

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

### Is Emberglow free?

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

### Do SmartChat or Emberglow have ads?

Neither SmartChat nor Emberglow shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SmartChat or Emberglow?

SmartChat ships an update every 5 weeks, and Emberglow every 2 weeks. Most recently, SmartChat was updated on November 7, 2026 and Emberglow on November 5, 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.*