Comparison

GiveInstead vs GiveSafe

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

GiveInstead

This app facilitates charitable giving by allowing users to donate funds they would have otherwise spent on non-essential purchases. It offers a unique way for individuals to practice generosity and for charities to receive additional support.

Highlights
  • Redirect planned spending to charities
  • Support favorite charities
  • Track charitable giving
  • Ministry-focused giving
  • Simple donation process
Features
Read full description

GiveInstead helps givers give and charities receive in a new, unique way. Anecdotes are best. I'm on my way to work and plan to stop by for a froofy coffee on the way. I know I'm called to give as God has given so generously, and to be a good steward of what He's provided. So, I decide to pop open the GiveInstead app, type $5.87 into the amount field and - because my favorite charity is already defaulted - I just touch "Give", and I move on. I just gave ... instead of buying something I wanted but did not really need. What a concept! GiveInstead is a simple app for giving, helping generous people give in moments where they planned to spend money either way, but wish to choose giving over consuming. Imagine the result... hundreds or dollars (thousands?) given each month rather than buying stuff, "where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal" (Matt 6:19). And if you're one of the charities involved, imagine receiving more donations, on top of one-time gifts and monthly recurring giving. This app - in short - is a ministry intended to prime our collective pumps for GIVING as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gave so fully and sacrificially. GiveInstead is a ministry of HowGiving. Learn more at GiveInstead.app or HowGiving.org.

About

GiveSafe

Discover personal stories of individuals facing hardship and connect with their journeys. Make a difference by donating directly to provide essential resources and receive tax receipts for your contributions. Join a trusted network dedicated to creating lasting impact.

Highlights
  • Read personal stories of hardship
  • Donate directly to individuals
  • Receive tax receipts
  • Trusted network for donations
  • Understand challenges, hopes, and goals
Features
Read full description

GiveSafe: Read Their Stories, Make a Difference GiveSafe connects you with the personal stories of individuals experiencing hardship, offering a window into their challenges, hopes, and goals. Whether you're looking to understand their journey or lend a helping hand, GiveSafe makes it easy to engage in meaningful giving. Key Features: Read Their Stories – Discover personal narratives from individuals in need and gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and aspirations. Give When Inspired – If a story moves you, you have the option to donate directly, helping provide essential resources like food, shelter, and education. Seamless Giving & Tax Tracking – Effortlessly donate and receive tax receipts for your contributions. Join a Trusted Network – Donations are responsibly managed through our nonprofit and partner organizations to ensure lasting impact. Your support starts with understanding. Download GiveSafe today to read, connect, and uplift lives.

Screenshots

GiveInstead3 screens
GiveSafe3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: GiveSafe at every 3 weeks against GiveInstead's every 3 months. GiveSafe also leads on iOS requirement (14.0.0 vs 16.0). GiveInstead's advantage is ratings volume (3 vs 1). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for GiveInstead against 5.0 for GiveSafe. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GiveInstead ships an update every 3 months, GiveSafe every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 6, 2026 and June 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
GiveInstead versus GiveSafe: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGiveInsteadGiveSafe
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Number of ratings3 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS16.014.0.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB53 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHowGiving LLCGIveSafe Labs

Customer experience

GiveInstead

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

GiveSafe

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

GiveInstead

No in-app purchases

None

GiveSafe

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GiveInstead free?
GiveInstead is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is GiveSafe free?
GiveSafe is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, GiveInstead or GiveSafe?
GiveInstead and GiveSafe are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 3 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do GiveInstead or GiveSafe have ads?
Neither GiveInstead nor GiveSafe shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GiveInstead or GiveSafe?
GiveInstead ships an update every 3 months, and GiveSafe every 3 weeks. Most recently, GiveInstead was updated on June 6, 2026 and GiveSafe on June 11, 2026.

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