# SpareRoom vs Riser App

The clearest difference is ads: SpareRoom at none against Riser App's shown. SpareRoom also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly). Riser App's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0.0 vs 16.0). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SpareRoom sells 9 one-off in-app purchases and Riser App sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SpareRoom ships an update fortnightly, Riser App monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SpareRoom | Riser App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (4.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spareroom/id400181250/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **4.1K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 48.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 60 MB | 112 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **14.0.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Flatshare Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/397979250) | [Olufunmilayo Alagbe](https://appshunter.io/developer/1818165254) |

## What reviewers say

### SpareRoom

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spareroom/id400181250)

Find your ideal room or flatmate with the UK's leading platform. Browse thousands of listings across the UK, connect with potential housemates, and secure your perfect living situation on the go.

**Highlights:** Room and roommate search, Thousands of UK listings, On-the-go access, User support, Connect with housemates

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Boost | $9.99 | one-time |
| 7-Day Upgrade | $12.99 | one-time |
| 1-Week Upgrade | $15.00 | one-time |
| Verification | $15.00 | one-time |
| 30-Day Upgrade | $15.49 | one-time |
| 14-Day Upgrade | $23.99 | one-time |
| 2-Week Upgrade | $25.00 | one-time |
| 30-Day Upgrade | $25.99 | one-time |
| 4-Week Upgrade | $30.00 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Great for finding rooms/flatmates
- 💡 Useful features like filters
- 🌟 Positive overall experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 💰 Expensive paid features
- 🤖 Fake/unresponsive listings
- 🚫 Discrimination in listings

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes and sign-outs
- Inconsistent behavior between app and website
- Issues with updating and editing listings

**Requested features**

- Better messaging/communication tools
- More advanced search and filtering options
- Improved verification of listings and users
- Feedback/review system for landlords/tenants


### Riser App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/riser-app/id6746730509)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Basic Plan | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium Plan (Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| Basic ( annual) Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Premium Plan (Annual) | $99.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SpareRoom free?

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

### Is Riser App free?

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

### Do SpareRoom or Riser App have ads?

Riser App shows ads; SpareRoom does not.

### Which is updated more often, SpareRoom or Riser App?

SpareRoom ships an update fortnightly, and Riser App monthly. Most recently, SpareRoom was updated on September 25, 2026 and Riser App on September 10, 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.*