# RefugeRanch vs First Word

The clearest difference is review sentiment: First Word at 100% against RefugeRanch's 50%. First Word also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months). RefugeRanch's advantage is device support (4 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.4 vs 26.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

First Word holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 10 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of RefugeRanch's written reviews are positive against 100% of First Word's.

RefugeRanch ships an update every 3 months, First Word every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RefugeRanch | First Word |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refugeranch/id561555715/reviews) | **[5.0 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-word-scripture-alarm/id6790482586/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 9 | **10** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 46 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.4** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Refuge Ranch Ministries, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1460396998) | [Timothy Coleman](https://appshunter.io/developer/6789395959) |

## What reviewers say

### RefugeRanch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refugeranch/id561555715)

Stay connected with ministry updates, watch live streams, and support the cause from anywhere. Share the app with family and friends to keep everyone informed.

**Highlights:** Watch messages, Tune in live, Support ministry, Stay updated, Share with friends

**In-app purchases:** none


### First Word

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-word-scripture-alarm/id6790482586)

This app helps you start and end your day with scripture. It functions as a scripture alarm, offering daily readings and reminders. Enjoy a peaceful experience with no ads, accounts, or social pressure.

**Highlights:** Scripture alarm with iOS Stop control, Daily scripture wake screen, On-device speech recognition, Today's verse for revisiting and sharing, Optional quiet scripture reminders, Home and Lock Screen widgets, Siri integration for scripture passages

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RefugeRanch free?

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

### Is First Word free?

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

### Which has better reviews, RefugeRanch or First Word?

First Word is rated higher. RefugeRanch averages 4.6 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while First Word averages 5.0 from 10 ratings.

### Do RefugeRanch or First Word have ads?

Neither RefugeRanch nor First Word shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, RefugeRanch or First Word?

RefugeRanch ships an update every 3 months, and First Word every 2 weeks. Most recently, RefugeRanch was updated on October 3, 2026 and First Word on October 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.*