Comparison

Pinger vs BK

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

Head to head
About

Pinger

This app provides a free U.S. phone number for unlimited calling and texting to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. It offers features like voicemail, group chat, and MMS messaging, functioning as a reliable alternative to a traditional phone line.

Highlights
  • Free U.S. phone number
  • Unlimited calling
  • Free texting (SMS)
  • Voicemail
  • Group chat
  • MMS picture & video messaging
Features
Read full description

Make free calls with a real U.S.phone number on the original free calling and texting app. Pinger comes preloaded with free calling minutes that can be used to call anyone in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico. After that, minutes are free to earn or cheap to purchase. SMS messages are also free. On top of free calling and SMS, additional features include voicemail, group chat, MMS picture & video messaging, emoji, ringtones, and more. WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING “It’s like having a real phone number from the carrier. Except FREE.” –Nick “I started using this app back in 2007 on my iPod touch 3rd generation... Works every time, voice calls are clear, and no one knows it’s an app and not an actual phone. Highly recommended.” –Scott “I have used this app as my main phone number for years. It is just as reliable as an actual phone number.” –Kay “I’ve tried several, but hands down, Pinger is by far the best. Why? Simple: It works. Period.” –Tuc “I would rate this like 100,000,000 stars but can’t :/ only 5.” –Molly “Great to have a backup number especially when you travel abroad.” –Milo —— © 2020 Pinger, Inc. All rights reserved. The Pinger name, associated trademarks, and logos are trademarks of Pinger, Inc. or related entities. Terms of Service: https://www.pinger.com/privacy-policy/terms-and-conditions/ Privacy Policy: https://www.pinger.com/privacy-policy/ Subscriptions are automatically billed monthly or annually to your iTunes Account and auto-renew unless you turn off auto-renew at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. Payments are charged to your iTunes account upon confirmation of purchase. You can turn off auto-renew or manage subscriptions in your iTunes & App Store account settings. Cancellations take effect at the end of the active subscription period. Any unused portion of a free trial period (where available) is forfeited when purchasing a subscription.

About

BK

Features
Read full description

BK-ESS is a powerful and user-friendly mobile application that puts your HR services right at your fingertips. Whether you're checking your leave balance, viewing payslips, or updating personal information, BK-ESS makes it fast and easy — anytime, anywhere. Designed to support employees with essential tools and real-time access, BK-ESS helps streamline communication, boost productivity, and keep you connected with your organization no matter where you are. Take control of your work life with BK-ESS — your all-in-one HR companion.

Screenshots

Pinger4 screens
BK4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: BK at none against Pinger's 11. BK also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). Pinger's advantage is update cadence (every 8 days vs every 2 months) and chart position (#181 vs unranked). On price 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. Pinger sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. BK asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Pinger ships an update every 8 days, BK every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
Pinger versus BK: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPingerBK
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (71K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings71K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 8 days — betterEvery 2 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank#181 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS16.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size223 MB4 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperPinger, Inc.Balancika

Bugs and requests

Pinger

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Constantly lock your account due to supposed shady activity
  • Does not even let you create an account
  • Microphone doesn't work, can't hear me on calls
  • Inconsistent, can't make calls sometimes
  • Not dependable, messages don't go through

Requested features

3 requests
  • Ability to receive verification codes
  • Option to turn off sounds/notifications
  • Fix for not being able to send more than one picture at a time

BK

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

11 purchases

Pinger

Subscriptions8
  • Remove Ads$2.991 Month
  • Voicemail to Text$2.991 Month
  • Pinger Plus Weekly$4.997 Days
Show 5 more
  • Pinger Plan$4.991 Month
  • Pinger Plus Weekly$6.997 Days
  • Pinger Plus Monthly$9.991 Month
  • Pinger Plus Half Yearly$39.996 Months
  • Pinger Plus Yearly$69.991 Year
One-time3
  • 100 minutes$1.99
  • 400 minutes$9.99
  • 1000 minutes$18.99
None

BK

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Pinger free?
Pinger is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is BK free?
BK is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Pinger or BK have ads?
Pinger shows ads; BK does not.
Which is updated more often, Pinger or BK?
Pinger ships an update every 8 days, and BK every 2 months. Most recently, Pinger was updated on October 31, 2026 and BK on October 28, 2026.

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