# Messenger vs Loop Messenger

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Loop Messenger at none against Messenger's 10. Loop Messenger also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (90% vs 66%). Messenger's advantage is ratings volume (14M vs 40) and chart position (#9 vs unranked). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Loop Messenger holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Messenger has 14M ratings behind it against 40, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of Messenger's written reviews are positive against 90% of Loop Messenger's.

Messenger ships an update weekly, Loop Messenger every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and August 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Messenger | Loop Messenger |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (14M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/messenger/id454638411/reviews) | **[4.9 (40 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loop-messenger/id1258695795/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **14M** | 40 |
| Positive reviews | 66.2% of reviews | **89.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 10 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#9** | — |
| Size | 255 MB | 106 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Meta Platforms, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/284882218) | [Collaborative Tools Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1537219329) |

## What reviewers say

### Messenger

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/messenger/id454638411)

**Currently charting:** #9 Top Free · Social Networking, #145 Top Free (US App Store)

Connect with friends and family through text, audio, and video calls. Share photos, videos, and large files, and express yourself with custom themes and animated content. Features an AI assistant for help and support.

**Highlights:** Text, audio, and video calls, High-definition photo sharing, Shared photo albums, QR code connections, Large file sharing (up to 100MB), Edit and unsend messages, Disappearing messages, AI assistant

**Features:** Siri integration

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Avatar Item | $0.99 | one-time |
| Avatar Item | $1.99 | one-time |
| Avatar Item | $2.99 | one-time |
| Avatar Item | $3.99 | one-time |
| Avatar Item | $4.99 | one-time |
| Avatar Item | $6.99 | one-time |
| Avatar Item | $7.99 | one-time |
| Avatar Item | $8.99 | one-time |
| Avatar Item | $9.99 | one-time |
| Avatar Item | $10.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 📱 Useful for staying connected with friends and family
- 🗣️ Enables easy communication through text, voice, and video
- 💬 Convenient group chat features
- 🌐 Works across multiple devices and platforms

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔒 Privacy and security concerns
- 🔄 Unnecessary updates that remove useful features
- 📤 Issues with message delivery and notifications
- 🗂️ Cluttered interface and poor organization of chats

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to log in or access account
- Messages failing to send or receive
- Unexpected app crashes and freezes
- Syncing issues between devices

**Requested features**

- Add option to delete or unsend messages
- Improve search functionality for chat history
- Introduce customizable notification settings
- Bring back old features like emoji reactions and location sharing


### Loop Messenger

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loop-messenger/id1258695795)

Organize your group conversations with this secure and spam-free messaging app. It offers streamlined chat, direct messaging within groups, and extensive customization options. Ideal for various communities seeking efficient and private communication.

**Highlights:** Streamlined group messaging, Direct messaging in groups, Customizable chat experience, Industry-leading security, Intuitive interface, Robust group controls

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Messenger free?

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

### Is Loop Messenger free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Messenger or Loop Messenger?

Loop Messenger is rated higher. Messenger averages 4.7 out of 5 from 14M ratings, while Loop Messenger averages 4.9 from 40 ratings.

### Do Messenger or Loop Messenger have ads?

Messenger shows ads; Loop Messenger does not.

### Which is updated more often, Messenger or Loop Messenger?

Messenger ships an update weekly, and Loop Messenger every 10 days. Most recently, Messenger was updated on September 24, 2026 and Loop Messenger on August 13, 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.*