# Cluster vs Carrier Messaging

The clearest difference is rating: Cluster at 4.8 against Carrier Messaging's 4.0. Cluster also leads on ratings volume (22K vs 186) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cluster sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Carrier Messaging sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Cluster holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cluster has 22K ratings behind it against 186, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 57% of Cluster's written reviews are positive against 48% of Carrier Messaging's.

Cluster ships an update every 2 months, Carrier Messaging every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and August 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cluster | Carrier Messaging |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (22K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cluster/id596595032/reviews)** | [4.0 (186 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/carrier-messaging/id1027638921/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **22K** | 186 |
| Positive reviews | **56.6% of reviews** | 47.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 35 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.1** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Cluster Labs, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/596595035) | [BSN Design LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/931213436) |

## What reviewers say

### Cluster

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cluster/id596595032)

Create private groups to share photos and videos with specific people. Ideal for families, friends, or colleagues to share moments securely without broadcasting to a wider audience. Access your shared memories across mobile devices and the web.

**Highlights:** Create private sharing groups, Share photos and videos, Invite specific members, Web and mobile access, Relevant notifications, Secure and private sharing

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cluster Friend | $4.99 | per month |
| Cluster Family | $9.99 | per month |
| Cluster Pro | $19.99 | per month |
| Cluster Friend | $49.99 | per year |
| Cluster Family | $99.99 | per year |
| Cluster Pro | $199.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Great for sharing photos and videos
- 🔒 Allows private sharing with selected groups
- 💡 Helpful for keeping family connected
- 👍 Simple and effective interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🐛 Issues with photo/video uploads
- 🐛 Unreliable notifications
- 🐛 Glitchy performance after updates
- 🔍 Lack of search and organization features

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch for some users
- Photos and videos fail to upload consistently
- Notification issues - not receiving updates
- Compatibility problems with newer Android devices
- Unexpected errors when trying to access accounts

**Requested features**

- Add ability to edit/delete posts
- Improve photo/video upload reliability
- Implement better notification system
- Add option to create galleries/albums within groups
- Enhance search and filtering capabilities


### Carrier Messaging

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/carrier-messaging/id1027638921)

Schedule text messages to be sent at a future date and time. The app sends you a notification when it's time to send, requiring you to manually confirm. It integrates with your existing messaging app and contacts.

**Highlights:** Schedule messages for future delivery, Manual send confirmation via notification, Integrates with built-in Messages app, Contact integration for easy recipient selection, Group messaging support, Dark theme option

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Upgrade | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful for remembering messages
- 👍 Simplifies communication
- 👍 Good for late-night thoughts
- 👍 Useful for reminders
- 👍 Supports group messaging

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😞 Does not automatically send
- 😞 Requires manual sending
- 😞 Deceptive description
- 😞 Not a true scheduler
- 😞 Upgrade button not working

**Reported bugs**

- Scheduled texts never sent
- Upgrade button not working
- Usage counts incorrect in free version
- Notifications not sent
- Delayed message sent immediately

**Requested features**

- Schedule recurring messages (weekly, monthly)
- Attach photos to messages
- Select all button for groups
- Recurring reminders until sent
- Save groups as a selectable option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cluster free?

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

### Is Carrier Messaging free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Cluster or Carrier Messaging?

Cluster is rated higher. Cluster averages 4.8 out of 5 from 22K ratings, while Carrier Messaging averages 4.0 from 186 ratings.

### Do Cluster or Carrier Messaging have ads?

Neither Cluster nor Carrier Messaging shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Cluster or Carrier Messaging?

Cluster ships an update every 2 months, and Carrier Messaging every 4 months. Most recently, Cluster was updated on September 24, 2026 and Carrier Messaging on August 8, 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.*