# UP vs The Inked Network

The clearest difference is ads: UP at none against The Inked Network's shown. UP also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported). The Inked Network's advantage is update cadence (every 10 days vs monthly). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume 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 — 4.7 for UP against 4.6 for The Inked Network. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 31 and 23 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

UP ships an update monthly, The Inked Network every 10 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | UP | The Inked Network |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/up-messenger/id1644037554/reviews)** | [4.6 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-inked-network/id6749107588/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **31** | 23 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 136 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Unplugged Technologies Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1644037556) | [The Inked Network, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1828818773) |

## What reviewers say

### UP

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/up-messenger/id1644037554)

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.

**Highlights:** End-to-end encrypted messaging, Encrypted audio/video calls, Screen sharing, Private and public chat rooms, File sharing, Privacy-first design, GDPR compliant

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### The Inked Network

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-inked-network/id6749107588)

Discover tattoo inspiration, connect with artists, and book sessions. Browse portfolios by style or location, chat directly with artists about ideas and quotes, and stay updated on events. It's a comprehensive platform for both tattoo enthusiasts and professionals.

**Highlights:** Explore tattoo ideas and artist portfolios, Connect and chat directly with artists, Book tattoo sessions and get quotes, Discover tattoo conventions and events, Save favorite artists and inspiration, Access exclusive discounts on aftercare

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is UP free?

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

### Is The Inked Network free?

The Inked Network is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, UP or The Inked Network?

UP is rated higher. UP averages 4.7 out of 5 from 31 ratings, while The Inked Network averages 4.6 from 23 ratings.

### Do UP or The Inked Network have ads?

The Inked Network shows ads; UP does not.

### Which is updated more often, UP or The Inked Network?

UP ships an update monthly, and The Inked Network every 10 days. Most recently, UP was updated on October 24, 2026 and The Inked Network on October 24, 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.*