# pixiv vs LINE

The clearest difference is rating: pixiv at 4.5 against LINE's 3.2. pixiv also leads on review sentiment (43% vs 15%) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). LINE's advantage is chart position (#39 vs #160). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. pixiv sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and LINE sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

pixiv holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6.7K and 18K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 43% of pixiv's written reviews are positive against 15% of LINE's.

pixiv ships an update weekly, LINE every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | pixiv | LINE |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (6.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixiv/id337248563/reviews)** | [3.2 (18K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/line/id443904275/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 6.7K | **18K** |
| Positive reviews | **43.5% of reviews** | 14.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 9 days |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #160 | **#39** |
| Size | 95 MB | 397 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [pixiv Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/337248566) | [LINE Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/359067226) |

## What reviewers say

### pixiv

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixiv/id337248563)

**Currently charting:** #160 Top Grossing · Social Networking (US App Store)

Explore a vast collection of over 160 million illustrations, manga, and novels from Japan's largest creative community. Discover new artists, browse trending content, and share your own creations. Personalize your feed with recommendations based on your preferences.

**Highlights:** Browse illustrations, manga, and novels, Post and share your artwork, Discover recommended and trending works, Search by keywords, tags, and creators, Follow favorite artists, View browsing history (Premium)

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| pixiv Premium (no new users) | $4.99 | per month |
| pixiv Premium | $4.99 | per month |
| pixiv Premium | $13.49 | per 3 months |
| pixiv Premium | $24.99 | per 6 months |
| pixiv Premium | $45.99 | per year |
| 120 points | $0.99 | one-time |
| 160 points | $0.99 | one-time |
| 240 points | $1.99 | one-time |
| 320 points | $1.99 | one-time |
| 600 points | $4.99 | one-time |
| 800 points | $4.99 | one-time |
| 1,800 points | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to navigate
- 👍 Diverse content
- 💡 Allows for creative expression
- 👍 Friendly community

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes
- 🔒 Concerning content moderation
- 💰 Excessive monetization
- 🚫 Restrictive features behind paywall

**Reported bugs**

- Blurry thumbnails on iPad
- Inability to copy text
- Pixiv links not opening in-app
- Inconsistent behavior when liking/following

**Requested features**

- Improved search and filtering options
- Ability to save animated images
- Sync bookmarks and settings across devices
- Better support for non-Japanese users


### LINE

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/line/id443904275)

**Currently charting:** #39 Top Free · Social Networking, #110 Top Grossing · Social Networking (US App Store)

Connect with friends and family through free voice and video calls, messages, and a wide array of stickers and themes. This communication platform offers a seamless experience across mobile, desktop, and smartwatches, with enhanced privacy features and content discovery options.

**Highlights:** Free voice and video calls, Messaging, Stickers and emojis, Customizable themes, Cross-platform compatibility, Encrypted messages, Keep Memo for storage

**Features:** Siri integration, Apple Wallet, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| スタンダード | $3.99 | per month |
| Monthly Plan | $4.99 | per month |
| 50 LINE Coin | $0.99 | one-time |
| 70 LINE Coin | $1.39 | one-time |
| LINE Characters: All the Love | $1.99 | one-time |
| Brown & Cony's Secret Date! | $1.99 | one-time |
| Brown & Cony's Lovey Dovey Date | $1.99 | one-time |
| 100 LINE Coin | $1.99 | one-time |
| 150 LINE Coin | $2.99 | one-time |
| 200 LINE Coin | $3.99 | one-time |
| 500 LINE Coin | $7.99 | one-time |
| 800 LINE Coin | $11.99 | one-time |
| 1600 LINE Coin | $22.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💬 Great messaging app
- 🎨 Customizable with cute stickers
- 🌐 Useful for international communication
- 🔒 Secure and private

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent bugs and glitches
- 🔑 Difficult account recovery and transfer
- 🚫 Accounts suspended without explanation
- 🤖 Poor customer support
- 🔍 Difficulty adding and searching for contacts

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to log in or sign up
- Messages not sending or receiving
- Notifications not working properly
- App crashing after updates
- Incompatibility with new devices and OS versions

**Requested features**

- See who is online and typing
- Ability to translate messages
- Automatic chat history backup and sync
- Easier sticker management and organization
- More ways to earn free stickers and points


## Frequently asked questions

### Is pixiv free?

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

### Is LINE free?

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

### Which has better reviews, pixiv or LINE?

pixiv is rated higher. pixiv averages 4.5 out of 5 from 6.7K ratings, while LINE averages 3.2 from 18K ratings.

### Do pixiv or LINE have ads?

Both pixiv and LINE show ads.

### Which is updated more often, pixiv or LINE?

pixiv ships an update weekly, and LINE every 9 days. Most recently, pixiv was updated on September 24, 2026 and LINE on September 25, 2026.

### Which is more popular, pixiv or LINE?

pixiv currently peaks at #160 in the App Store charts, and LINE at #39. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*