# UP vs hqChat

The clearest difference is update cadence: hqChat at every 6 days against UP's monthly. UP's advantage is iOS requirement (16.6 vs 18.5). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UP ships an update monthly, hqChat every 6 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | UP | hqChat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/up-messenger/id1644037554/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **31** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 136 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.6** | 18.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Unplugged Technologies Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1644037556) | [Martin Rougeron](https://appshunter.io/developer/6786412969) |

## 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


### hqChat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hqchat/id6786412967)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is UP free?

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

### Is hqChat free?

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

### Do UP or hqChat have ads?

Neither UP nor hqChat shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, UP or hqChat?

UP ships an update monthly, and hqChat every 6 days. Most recently, UP was updated on October 24, 2026 and hqChat 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.*