# Threema. The Secure Messenger vs REFBL

The clearest difference is price: REFBL at Free against Threema. The Secure Messenger's $6.99. REFBL also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). Threema. The Secure Messenger's advantage is update cadence (every 11 days vs monthly) and chart position (#1 vs unranked). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

REFBL is free to download; Threema. The Secure Messenger costs $6.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Threema. The Secure Messenger ships an update every 11 days, REFBL monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Threema. The Secure Messenger | REFBL |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $6.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.2 (725 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/threema-the-secure-messenger/id578665578/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **725** | — |
| Positive reviews | 62.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 11 days** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Best chart rank | **#1** | — |
| Size | 119 MB | 101 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Threema GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/535112011) | [Evangelisch – reformierte Kirche des Kantons Baselland](https://appshunter.io/developer/1874311235) |

## What reviewers say

### Threema. The Secure Messenger

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/threema-the-secure-messenger/id578665578)

**Currently charting:** #1 Top Paid · Social Networking, #24 Top Paid (US App Store)

This secure messenger prioritizes privacy with end-to-end encryption for all communications. It uses a unique ID instead of personal information, leaving no data trail and offering anonymous use. Enjoy private chats, calls, and file sharing without ads or trackers.

**Highlights:** End-to-end encrypted chats and calls, Anonymous use with Threema ID, File sharing in all formats, Edit and delete sent messages, Desktop app and web client, Group creation and polls

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 Secure messaging
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Fast and reliable
- 💡 Anonymous ID instead of phone number
- 🔒 Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable video/voice calls
- 🐛 Inconsistent notification delivery
- 🐛 Bugs and crashes after updates
- 🔒 Lack of auto-delete/expiring messages
- 👎 Limited emoji/reaction options

**Reported bugs**

- Messages not sending or receiving
- App freezing or crashing
- Unreliable video/voice call functionality
- Notification issues after updates
- Data transfer problems when switching devices

**Requested features**

- Add auto-delete/expiring message option
- Improve video/voice call reliability
- Enhance notification system
- Expand emoji/reaction options
- Simplify data transfer to new devices


### REFBL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refbl/id6758672476)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Threema. The Secure Messenger free?

Threema. The Secure Messenger costs $6.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is REFBL free?

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

### Do Threema. The Secure Messenger or REFBL have ads?

Neither Threema. The Secure Messenger nor REFBL shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Threema. The Secure Messenger or REFBL?

Threema. The Secure Messenger ships an update every 11 days, and REFBL monthly. Most recently, Threema. The Secure Messenger was updated on November 1, 2026 and REFBL on October 23, 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.*