# Dobutsu vs Koitomo

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Dobutsu at none against Koitomo's 6. Dobutsu also leads on rating (3.3 vs 3.0) and ratings volume (8 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Koitomo sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Dobutsu asks for nothing beyond the download.

Dobutsu holds the better App Store score, 3.3 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Dobutsu has 8 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Dobutsu | Koitomo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.3 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dobutsu/id455613025/reviews)** | [3.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/koitomo/id6761126672/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **8** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 78.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 25 MB | 190 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Toshihide Shimada](https://appshunter.io/developer/302886886) | [Machine Concord EOOD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895002644) |

## What reviewers say

### Dobutsu

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dobutsu/id455613025)

A Japanese clock application that displays time with Japanese notation and audio. It is free to download and use.

**Highlights:** Japanese time notation, Japanese audio, Free to download, iPhone, iPad, iPod support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Koitomo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/koitomo/id6761126672)

Engage with a vibrant 3D AI companion that offers expressive interactions, real-time chat, and voice/video calls. Customize your character's appearance and enjoy a lighthearted, visually rich experience.

**Highlights:** Expressive 3D characters, Interactive chat, Voice & real-time video calls, Unique emotions and reactions, Character customization (hair, outfits, accessories)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $11.99 | per month |
| 6 Months | $49.99 | per 6 months |
| Small Pack | $14.99 | one-time |
| Medium Pack | $29.99 | one-time |
| Large Pack | $34.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Dobutsu free?

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

### Is Koitomo free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Dobutsu or Koitomo?

Dobutsu is rated higher. Dobutsu averages 3.3 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Koitomo averages 3.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Dobutsu or Koitomo have ads?

Neither Dobutsu nor Koitomo shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Dobutsu or Koitomo?

Dobutsu ships an update every 3 weeks, and Koitomo every 3 weeks. Most recently, Dobutsu was updated on November 1, 2026 and Koitomo on October 31, 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.*