# Pendulum vs InstaPrint

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Pendulum at 67% against InstaPrint's 19%. Pendulum also leads on rating (4.2 vs 2.6) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months). InstaPrint's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5) and ratings volume (161 vs 16). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pendulum sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. InstaPrint asks for nothing beyond the download.

Pendulum holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: InstaPrint has 161 ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of Pendulum's written reviews are positive against 19% of InstaPrint's.

Pendulum ships an update every 9 days, InstaPrint every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pendulum | InstaPrint |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pendulum-pen-pal-tracker/id6444290573/reviews)** | [2.6 (161 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instaprint/id6468898017/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 16 | **161** |
| Positive reviews | **66.7% of reviews** | 19.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 5 MB | 85 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Benjamin Cardy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1588708175) | [Beiens (Shenzhen) Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1129169244) |

## What reviewers say

### Pendulum

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pendulum-pen-pal-tracker/id6444290573)

This app helps you manage your pen pal relationships by tracking correspondence. Record when you send and receive letters, note writing materials, and set reminders to stay in touch. Sync your data across devices for seamless management.

**Highlights:** Track sent and received letters, Record pen, ink, and paper used, Set reminders to write and post, Monitor letter delivery times, iCloud sync across devices

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Extra Fine Tip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Fine Tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Medium Tip | $3.99 | one-time |
| Broad Tip | $5.99 | one-time |
| Stub Tip | $9.99 | one-time |


### InstaPrint

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instaprint/id6468898017)

This app enables inkless and wireless printing using Bluetooth connectivity. It is designed to work exclusively with a specific thermal printer model, making on-the-go printing simple and convenient.

**Highlights:** Inkless printing, Wireless printing, Bluetooth connectivity, Instant printing, Exclusive printer compatibility

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 💡 Compact and convenient
- 👍 Fun and handy

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 🐛 Printing problems
- 🐛 App bugs and glitches
- 🔒 Privacy concerns
- 👎 Difficult to navigate

**Reported bugs**

- App doesn't show all photos
- Printer not recognized by devices
- Printing orientation/sizing issues
- Frequent app crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- Add color printing capability
- Improve photo printing quality
- Allow custom label/template creation
- Provide better instructions and support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pendulum free?

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

### Is InstaPrint free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Pendulum or InstaPrint?

Pendulum is rated higher. Pendulum averages 4.2 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while InstaPrint averages 2.6 from 161 ratings.

### Do Pendulum or InstaPrint have ads?

Neither Pendulum nor InstaPrint shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pendulum or InstaPrint?

Pendulum ships an update every 9 days, and InstaPrint every 2 months. Most recently, Pendulum was updated on September 10, 2026 and InstaPrint on September 21, 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.*