# GroupMe vs Encore Loop

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Encore Loop at 100% against GroupMe's 30%. Encore Loop also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). GroupMe's advantage is ratings volume (1.6M vs 2) and update cadence (weekly vs fortnightly). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. GroupMe sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Encore Loop asks for nothing beyond the download.

Encore Loop holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: GroupMe has 1.6M ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 30% of GroupMe's written reviews are positive against 100% of Encore Loop's.

GroupMe ships an update weekly, Encore Loop fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GroupMe | Encore Loop |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (1.6M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/groupme/id392796698/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encore-loop/id6469189296/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.6M** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 29.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#9** | — |
| Size | 383 MB | 71 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Skype Communications S.a.r.l](https://appshunter.io/developer/304219585) | [Encore Enterprises](https://appshunter.io/developer/1459727630) |

## What reviewers say

### GroupMe

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/groupme/id392796698)

**Currently charting:** #9 Top Free · Social Networking, #148 Top Free (US App Store)

Connect with family, friends, and colleagues through group chats, direct messages, and shared media. Easily add members via phone number or email, control notifications, and express yourself with custom emojis and GIFs. Share photos and videos to relive memories later.

**Highlights:** Group chat creation, Direct messaging, Custom emoji and GIFs, Photo and video sharing, Notification control, Web access

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Most Wanted Emoji Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Michigan Wolverines Emoji Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Wisconsin Badgers Emoji Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Florida Gators Emoji Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| March Madness Emoji Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Most Wanted 2 Emoji Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| University of Alabama Emoji Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| University of Texas Emoji Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Adventure Time | $1.99 | one-time |
| University of Notre Dame Emoji | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent group communication
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Fast and responsive
- 🚀 Reliable
- 👍 Versatile for various use cases

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 🐛 Syncing and loading issues
- 🐛 Notification problems
- 🐛 Bugs with media uploads
- 🐛 Laggy performance

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to log in or account issues
- Problems with adding/removing group members
- Disappearing messages and chat history
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Ability to delete/edit messages
- Announcement mode for admins
- Pinned messages
- Improved group management features
- Better cross-device/platform sync


### Encore Loop

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encore-loop/id6469189296)

This app enhances workplace productivity and collaboration by providing centralized access to internal tools, company news, HR updates, and a comprehensive document library. It facilitates communication and keeps employees informed about events and training, ensuring everyone stays connected and up-to-date.

**Highlights:** Streamlined access to internal tools, Company and employee news, HR updates and employee directory, Corporate document library with search, Collaborative workspaces, Push notifications for updates

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GroupMe free?

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

### Is Encore Loop free?

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

### Which has better reviews, GroupMe or Encore Loop?

Encore Loop is rated higher. GroupMe averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.6M ratings, while Encore Loop averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do GroupMe or Encore Loop have ads?

Neither GroupMe nor Encore Loop shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, GroupMe or Encore Loop?

GroupMe ships an update weekly, and Encore Loop fortnightly. Most recently, GroupMe was updated on October 13, 2026 and Encore Loop on September 23, 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.*