Comparison

Rattlegram vs HopNet

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Rattlegram

This app utilizes advanced COFDM technology for audio-based SMS transmission. It supports various modes with specific encoding and modulation techniques, requiring minimal bandwidth for efficient data transfer.

Highlights
  • COFDM technology
  • Audio-based SMS
  • 160 ms OFDM symbols
  • Differential PSK modulation
  • Forward error correction
  • Low bandwidth requirement
Read full description

COFDMTV is based on COFDM (coded orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing) technology: - 160 ms long OFDM symbols - 6.25 Hz per sub-carrier - 1/8 guard interval - differentially encoded PSK (phase-shift keying) modulation - systematic polar codes for forward error correction Currently Modes 14, 15 and 16 are supported: Using either SPC(2048, 1392), SPC(2048, 1056) or SPC(2048, 712) with CRC32C aided SCL decoding and differential QPSK modulation for the payload. Only a bandwidth of 1600 Hz is needed and the transmission of either 85, 128 or 170 bytes take about one second with the leading noise and fancy header disabled.

About

HopNet

Features
Read full description

HopNet sends messages directly from your phone to theirs, protected by end-to-end encryption. There's no sign-up and no central message database — your conversations belong to you. When the other phone is offline, an encrypted envelope waits briefly on a relay that cannot read it — then it's gone. Photos and videos between online phones travel directly. HopNet is a private messenger with nothing to breach. HopNet lets you exchange end-to-end-encrypted messages, photos, videos, voice messages, and calls — one-to-one or in small private groups — with people you add yourself, so no one, including us, can read your conversations. You're only ever in touch with people you choose. You add a contact by scanning their QR code, in person. HopNet has no random matching, no "chat with strangers" mode, and no public directory — only the people you've added can reach you. Why HopNet is different • No phone number, no email, no account — your identity is a key that lives only on your phone. • End-to-end encryption — the same proven design used by leading secure messengers (X3DH and the Double Ratchet). • Voice & video calls — end-to-end encrypted, and they connect even on restrictive networks. • Photos & voice notes in groups — shared with the same end-to-end encryption as your messages. • Private offline delivery — when your contact is offline, your message waits in an encrypted "blind mailbox" that no one, not even us, can read, and is deleted once delivered. • You're in control — verify contacts with safety numbers, lock the app with Face ID, block or report anyone, and wipe everything instantly. Safety HopNet has zero tolerance for objectionable content and abusive users. You can block or report any contact at any time from the chat menu, and reports are reviewed within 24 hours. How it works 1. Open HopNet — a private identity is created on your device. 2. Scan a friend's QR code (or have them scan yours). 3. Start chatting, privately. HopNet is in active development. We'd love your feedback — Settings, then Send Feedback. Note: when you're connected to a contact, they may see your IP address, as with other direct-connection messengers. Use a VPN if that matters to you.

Screenshots

Rattlegram4 screens
HopNet3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: HopNet at every 2 days against Rattlegram's every 9 months. HopNet also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Rattlegram ships an update every 9 months, HopNet every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Rattlegram versus HopNet: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRattlegramHopNet
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (23 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews90.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings23 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 9 monthsEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS17.613.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB97 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developeraicodix GmbHANTON SHIFMAN

In-app purchases

None

Rattlegram

No in-app purchases

None

HopNet

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Rattlegram free?
Rattlegram is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is HopNet free?
HopNet is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Rattlegram or HopNet have ads?
Neither Rattlegram nor HopNet shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Rattlegram or HopNet?
Rattlegram ships an update every 9 months, and HopNet every 2 days. Most recently, Rattlegram was updated on October 11, 2026 and HopNet on October 6, 2026.

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