# NOVA vs Chalkboard Research

The clearest difference is rating: Chalkboard Research at 5.0 against NOVA's 4.3. Chalkboard Research also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). NOVA's advantage is ratings volume (1.2K vs 5) and chart position (#174 vs unranked). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NOVA sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month. Chalkboard Research asks for nothing beyond the download.

Chalkboard Research holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NOVA has 1.2K ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two.

NOVA ships an update every 3 weeks, Chalkboard Research weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NOVA | Chalkboard Research |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-the-creative-network/id1642834730/reviews) | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chalkboard-research/id6759808956/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.2K** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 36.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#174** | — |
| Size | 143 MB | 29 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Nova Network Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1642834732) | [Pranav Batra](https://appshunter.io/developer/1880783621) |

## What reviewers say

### NOVA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-the-creative-network/id1642834730)

**Currently charting:** #174 Top Grossing · Social Networking (US App Store)

This platform connects creative professionals with clients seeking talent. Artists can build networks, showcase work, and find job opportunities. Clients gain direct access to vetted freelance creative talent.

**Highlights:** Network building for artists, Portfolio display for creatives, Access to job opportunities, Direct client access to talent, Application-based community, Community guidelines enforcement

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Nova Pro (Monthly) | $12.99 | per month |
| Nova Pro (Yearly) | $99.99 | per year |
| Nova Pro (Day Pass) | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💫 Best apps for creatives hands down!
- 🌟 Game changing for creatives
- 🎨 Wonderful!
- 🤝 Probably the best way for creatives to connect
- 🎨 Excellent Platform

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤷‍♀️ No support
- 🤦‍♂️ Not looking out for the little guy
- 🔒 Can't get in
- 🤯 Ummm
- 🐛 App Crashes Too Often

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes
- Freezing
- Buggy application process

**Requested features**

- Web Access
- Saved filter settings
- Notifications
- Profile customization


### Chalkboard Research

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chalkboard-research/id6759808956)

A collaborative research platform for academics, professors, and students. Share ideas, debate hypotheses, and connect with peers in your field without the pressure of formal publications or social media noise.

**Highlights:** Vetted research community, Share thoughts and hypotheses, Debate academic ideas, Connect with peers, Domain-specific networking, Informal research platform

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NOVA free?

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

### Is Chalkboard Research free?

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

### Which has better reviews, NOVA or Chalkboard Research?

Chalkboard Research is rated higher. NOVA averages 4.3 out of 5 from 1.2K ratings, while Chalkboard Research averages 5.0 from 5 ratings.

### Do NOVA or Chalkboard Research have ads?

Neither NOVA nor Chalkboard Research shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NOVA or Chalkboard Research?

NOVA ships an update every 3 weeks, and Chalkboard Research weekly. Most recently, NOVA was updated on October 25, 2026 and Chalkboard Research on October 9, 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.*