Comparison

GroupMe vs Kuo

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

Head to head
About

GroupMe

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
Read full description

GroupMe - the free, simple way to stay in touch with the people who matter most. Family. Roommates. Friends. Coworkers. Teams. Vacations. Greek Life. Bands. Faith Groups. Events. “Lifechanger.... utterly indispensable” -Gizmodo START CHATTING Add anyone to a group via their phone number or email address. If they don’t have the app, they can start chatting over SMS immediately. CONTROL NOTIFICATIONS You’re in charge! Mute specific chats, or the entire app – you can even leave or end group chats. SAY MORE THAN WORDS With an extensive set of exclusive emoji, you can express yourself in a whole new way. THE WHOLE INTERNET IN YOUR GROUP Meme images, search for and send GIFs and videos, and see content shared from URLs displayed in the chat. SHARE NOW, RELIVE LATER The gallery saves your memories. Easily explore the photos and videos shared in your group now, or later. LEAVE TEXTING BEHIND With direct messages, you can use all the features you love for group chat, but one-on-one. CHAT WHEREVER YOU ARE Including from your computer at groupme.com Stay in touch whether you’re separated by a hallway or a hemisphere. Get your group together. We want to hear your feedback! Support: https://aka.ms/groupmesupport Twitter: @GroupMeSupport Facebook: facebook.com/groupme Instagram: @GroupMe Love, Team GroupMe NOTE: SMS chat currently available in US only. Standard text messaging rates may apply. Privacy Policy: https://groupme.com/privacy Made with love in Seattle

About

Kuo

Features
Read full description

Kuo is an all-in-one management app for associations, clubs, professional bodies, churches, schools, groups, and member-based organizations. With Kuo, organizations can bring their members, communication, payments, events, and operations into one organized platform. Members can join their organization, stay updated, view events, track dues, discover opportunities, and connect with the right groups from their phone. Key features include: - Member directory - Organization join codes - Groups and associations - Events and RSVP tracking - Dues management - Payments and transaction history - Fundraising campaigns - Jobs and opportunities - News and announcements - Push notifications - Digital member ID cards - Admin tools for managing users, roles, content, and settings - Custom organization branding Kuo helps organizations reduce manual work, replace scattered spreadsheets and group chats, and keep members informed, active, and connected.

Screenshots

GroupMe4 screens
Kuo4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Kuo at none against GroupMe's 10. GroupMe's advantage is chart position (#8 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, ads 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. GroupMe sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Kuo asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 9 level
GroupMe versus Kuo: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGroupMeKuo
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (1.6M ratings) — better—
Positive reviews29.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.6M — better—
Update frequencyWeeklyWeekly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank#8 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size383 MB50 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperSkype Communications S.a.r.lClaude Elorm Korshie Appiah - Sasraku

Bugs and requests

GroupMe

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • 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

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

Kuo

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

10 purchases

GroupMe

One-time10
  • Most Wanted Emoji Pack$0.99
  • Michigan Wolverines Emoji Pack$0.99
  • Wisconsin Badgers Emoji Pack$0.99
Show 7 more
  • Florida Gators Emoji Pack$0.99
  • March Madness Emoji Pack$0.99
  • Most Wanted 2 Emoji Pack$0.99
  • University of Alabama Emoji Pack$1.99
  • University of Texas Emoji Pack$1.99
  • Adventure Time$1.99
  • University of Notre Dame Emoji$1.99
None

Kuo

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GroupMe free?
GroupMe is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Kuo free?
Kuo is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do GroupMe or Kuo have ads?
Neither GroupMe nor Kuo shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GroupMe or Kuo?
GroupMe ships an update weekly, and Kuo weekly. Most recently, GroupMe was updated on October 15, 2026 and Kuo on October 9, 2026.

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