# Unicode Pad Express vs Symbol Keyboard for Message

The clearest difference is ads: Unicode Pad Express at none against Symbol Keyboard for Message's shown. Unicode Pad Express also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported) and iOS requirement (12.4 vs 15.0). Symbol Keyboard for Message's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 7 months) and review sentiment (76% vs 63%). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases 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 — 4.6 for Unicode Pad Express against 4.7 for Symbol Keyboard for Message. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 121 and 75 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 63% of Unicode Pad Express's written reviews are positive against 76% of Symbol Keyboard for Message's.

Unicode Pad Express ships an update every 7 months, Symbol Keyboard for Message monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Unicode Pad Express | Symbol Keyboard for Message |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (121 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/unicode-pad-express/id368394740/reviews) | **[4.7 (75 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/symbol-keyboard-for-message/id1063919603/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **121** | 75 |
| Positive reviews | 62.8% of reviews | **75.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 51 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.4** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ziga Kranjec](https://appshunter.io/developer/368394743) | [山 钟](https://appshunter.io/developer/842459640) |

## What reviewers say

### Unicode Pad Express

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/unicode-pad-express/id368394740)

Access and insert a wide range of Unicode characters with this straightforward character map application. It provides a simpler interface for finding and using special symbols and text.

**Highlights:** Extensive character map, Insert Unicode characters, Simple interface, Free version

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great variety of symbols
- 👍 Easy to use (for some)
- 👍 Free version available
- 👍 Useful for special characters
- 👍 Good for stylizing posts

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes frequently
- 🐛 Some symbols not showing
- 🐛 Emojis mixed with symbols
- 🐛 Not designed well
- 🐛 Paid pro version needed for features

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when clicking too many categories
- Some characters not showing
- Emojis are displayed as symbols
- Black boxes appear instead of symbols
- App not working after iOS updates

**Requested features**

- Add a search system (by name or code)
- Ability to favorite symbols
- Create custom keyboards
- Rename private use characters
- Make emojis into symbols


### Symbol Keyboard for Message

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/symbol-keyboard-for-message/id1063919603)

Add over 10,000 special symbols and characters to your messages and social media profiles. Customize bios, posts, and texts to stand out and impress your friends. Works across all your favorite apps.

**Highlights:** 10000+ cool symbols, Customize social media bios, Use in all apps, Pimp Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Create custom text messages, Personalize contact lists and calendars

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Unicode Pad Express free?

Unicode Pad Express is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Symbol Keyboard for Message free?

Symbol Keyboard for Message is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Unicode Pad Express or Symbol Keyboard for Message?

Symbol Keyboard for Message is rated higher. Unicode Pad Express averages 4.6 out of 5 from 121 ratings, while Symbol Keyboard for Message averages 4.7 from 75 ratings.

### Do Unicode Pad Express or Symbol Keyboard for Message have ads?

Symbol Keyboard for Message shows ads; Unicode Pad Express does not.

### Which is updated more often, Unicode Pad Express or Symbol Keyboard for Message?

Unicode Pad Express ships an update every 7 months, and Symbol Keyboard for Message monthly. Most recently, Unicode Pad Express was updated on October 18, 2026 and Symbol Keyboard for Message on October 19, 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.*