# Spok Mobile vs Startel Secure Messaging Plus

The clearest difference is monetization model: Startel Secure Messaging Plus at free against Spok Mobile's subscription. Spok Mobile's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.6). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Spok Mobile ships an update every 3 months, Startel Secure Messaging Plus every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and August 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Spok Mobile | Startel Secure Messaging Plus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[1.7 (103 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spok-mobile/id418057657/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **103** | — |
| Positive reviews | 10.0% of reviews | **15.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free** |
| Size | 25 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Spok, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/418057660) | [Startel Coporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/479974601) |

## What reviewers say

### Spok Mobile

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spok-mobile/id418057657)

This app facilitates critical messaging and alerting for professionals in healthcare, government, and public safety. It enables secure communication for urgent situations, with some features requiring a subscription to a supported system.

**Highlights:** Critical messaging, Alerting, Healthcare communication, Government communication, Public safety communication, Secure messaging

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 HIPAA-compliant secure messaging
- 📱 Eliminates need to carry physical pager
- 🌍 Works with Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity
- ✅ Messages generally deliver when functioning properly

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezes
- 📳 Unreliable push notifications - requires opening app to receive alerts
- 🔊 Extremely loud audio alerts with no volume control
- 🎨 Outdated, clunky user interface from 1990s-2000s era
- ⏰ Inconsistent notification timing and delivery delays

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on startup or when opening messages
- Push notifications fail to deliver unless app is open
- Audio settings revert to high volume automatically
- Status switcher disappeared after iOS updates
- Alerts continue after message is opened

**Requested features**

- Apple Watch support with message preview
- Customizable alert tones and volume control
- Ability to mute/silence pager independently from phone
- Copy and paste functionality within messages
- Search function for messages


### Startel Secure Messaging Plus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startel-secure-messaging-plus/id886055370)

This app provides a secure and HIPAA-compliant method for sending and receiving text messages. It features end-to-end encryption, expiring messages, and remote wipe capabilities to protect sensitive information.

**Highlights:** HIPAA and HITECH compliant, End-to-end message encryption, Expiring messages (up to 30 days), Voice and image attachments, Remote wipe capability, Device receipt notifications, Multi-device single login

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Spok Mobile free?

Spok Mobile is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Startel Secure Messaging Plus free?

Startel Secure Messaging Plus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Spok Mobile or Startel Secure Messaging Plus have ads?

Neither Spok Mobile nor Startel Secure Messaging Plus shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Spok Mobile or Startel Secure Messaging Plus?

Spok Mobile ships an update every 3 months, and Startel Secure Messaging Plus every 4 months. Most recently, Spok Mobile was updated on September 19, 2026 and Startel Secure Messaging Plus on August 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.*