UP vs Network Messenger
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
UP
This communication tool prioritizes user privacy by offering end-to-end encrypted messaging and calls. It allows for secure sharing of various media types and the creation of private or public chat rooms. The app is designed to prevent data mining and monetization, fully complying with GDPR.
- End-to-end encrypted messaging
- Encrypted audio/video calls
- Screen sharing
- Private and public chat rooms
- File sharing
- Privacy-first design
- GDPR compliant
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Meet the UP Messenger, your everyday communication tool that does not mine, analyze or monetize your data. Offered as part of the Unplugged application suite, the UP Messenger is designed to protect your privacy and bring the control over your data back to you. Want to communicate freely? Here are some of the main features of the UP Messenger: Message- send and receive encrypted text messages, pictures, video, audio and other files with your friends, family and colleagues. Calls- make one-on-one or conference audio and video calls. You can also share your screen. Rooms- create and manage private and public communication rooms. End-to-End Encryption- every message and call is end-to-end encrypted by default. No one except you (and the other party with whom you communicate) has access to your data, not even Unplugged. Privacy-First- the UP Messenger is private by design. We cannot and will not analyze your data, monetize it or sell it to anyone. For additional information, please review our privacy policy. GDPR- the UP Messenger fully complies with the requirements of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Desktop client- visit our website to access the UP Messenger using your desktop web-browser. To learn more about Unplugged and how to reclaim control over your privacy, visit www.unplugged.com.
Network Messenger
Connect with friends and family through secure, end-to-end encrypted messaging and calls. Organize events, birthdays, and group chats, with tools to sort your network. Enjoy a private, AI-free experience.
- End-to-end encrypted messaging
- Voice and video calls
- Event and group chat organization
- Contact sorting with tags and notes
- Soft location sharing
- Smart reconnection reminders
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The encrypted messenger built for how people actually connect. No ads, AI-free, and independent. Features include: - End-to-end encrypted messaging. - Voice and video calls (group calls coming soon). - Events, birthdays, and group chats. All together, in one place (finally). - Tags, filters, and custom notes to sort and bring context to your network. - Secure connections. Network syncs with your native contacts app, to suggest contacts that are using Network. - Real-time features like soft location sharing. - Smart reminders to reconnect. For questions or feedback, go to Settings > Help and Support in the app. By downloading the app, you agree to our EULA which can be found here: https://networkmessenger.com/termsofservice/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: UP at none against Network Messenger's 1. UP also leads on iOS requirement (16.6 vs 18.6). Network Messenger's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs monthly) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads 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
Both are free to download. Network Messenger sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $14.99 per year. UP asks for nothing beyond the download.
Network Messenger holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 31 and 27 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.
UP ships an update monthly, Network Messenger every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | UP | Network Messenger |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (31 ratings) | 5.0 (27 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 31 — better | 27 |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 4 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Freemium |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 — better | 18.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 136 MB | 120 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Unplugged Technologies Ltd | Network Messenger Inc. |
Customer experience
UP
Network Messenger
In-app purchases
UP
No in-app purchases
Network Messenger
- Annual Subscription$14.991 Year
