# Message Makeover vs Raven

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Raven at 97% against Message Makeover's 10%. Raven also leads on price (Free vs $0.99) and rating (4.9 vs 4.1). Message Makeover's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and chart position (#33 vs unranked). On ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Raven is free to download; Message Makeover costs $0.99 up front. Raven sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Message Makeover asks for nothing beyond the download.

Raven holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 128 and 221 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 10% of Message Makeover's written reviews are positive against 97% of Raven's.

Message Makeover ships an update every 6 weeks, Raven every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Message Makeover | Raven |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.1 (128 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/message-makeover-colorful-text-message-bubbles/id473563535/reviews) | **[4.9 (221 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/raven-slow-messaging/id6477909689/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 128 | **221** |
| Positive reviews | 9.6% of reviews | **96.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#33** | — |
| Size | 18 MB | 107 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Andrew Halligan](https://appshunter.io/developer/383018986) | [The Raven App Company](https://appshunter.io/developer/1731083402) |

## What reviewers say

### Message Makeover

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/message-makeover-colorful-text-message-bubbles/id473563535)

**Currently charting:** #33 Top Paid · Social Networking (US App Store)

Transform your plain text messages into vibrant, colorful creations. Personalize message backgrounds and fonts to make your conversations stand out and express yourself with unique visual flair. Preview your designs before sending to ensure perfect presentation.

**Highlights:** Custom message background color, Custom message font color, Simple and intuitive interface, Message preview functionality, Direct launch to Messages app, Extensive color selection

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 💡 Unique messaging features
- 👍 Attention-grabbing visuals

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and unreliable
- 📋 Requires extra steps to send messages
- 🔍 Limited customization options

**Reported bugs**

- Messages fail to send
- Font and shadow effects not working
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Integrate directly with default messaging app
- Expand font and bubble style options
- Improve message delivery reliability


### Raven

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/raven-slow-messaging/id6477909689)

Experience messaging as a slow, delightful journey. Messages are delivered by charming characters across a real-world map, emphasizing anticipation and the art of communication. Read messages only upon arrival, making each exchange a unique event.

**Highlights:** Choose your messenger character, Real-world map tracking, Delayed message delivery, Messages readable upon arrival, Intuitive design

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 10 Feathers | $0.99 | one-time |
| 10 Gold | $2.99 | one-time |
| 50 Feathers | $4.49 | one-time |
| 30 Gold | $7.99 | one-time |
| 100 Feathers | $7.99 | one-time |
| 250 Feathers | $18.99 | one-time |
| 500 Feathers | $35.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💖 Whimsical and cute design
- 🐢 Slow and intentional messaging
- 💌 Unique letter-writing experience
- 🦉 More meaningful communication
- 🎁 Joy of anticipation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Pay-to-unlock animals
- 🤷 Not much to do if no one to talk to
- 🤔 Review prompt felt off-putting

**Requested features**

- See and decorate castle
- More achievement opportunities
- More courier options
- Cat courier


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Message Makeover free?

Message Makeover costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Raven free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Message Makeover or Raven?

Raven is rated higher. Message Makeover averages 4.1 out of 5 from 128 ratings, while Raven averages 4.9 from 221 ratings.

### Do Message Makeover or Raven have ads?

Neither Message Makeover nor Raven shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Message Makeover or Raven?

Message Makeover ships an update every 6 weeks, and Raven every 9 days. Most recently, Message Makeover was updated on October 29, 2026 and Raven on October 27, 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.*