# Germ DM vs Network Messenger

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Germ DM at none against Network Messenger's 1. Network Messenger's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and review sentiment (100% vs 83%). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Network Messenger sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $14.99 per year. Germ DM asks for nothing beyond the download.

Network Messenger holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 19 and 27 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 83% of Germ DM's written reviews are positive against 100% of Network Messenger's.

Germ DM ships an update every 10 days, Network Messenger every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Germ DM | Network Messenger |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (19 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/germ-dm/id6446882771/reviews) | **[5.0 (27 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/network-messenger/id6739565676/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 19 | **27** |
| Positive reviews | 83.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 37 MB | 120 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **18.6** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Germ Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1679507064) | [Network Messenger Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1651167828) |

## What reviewers say

### Germ DM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/germ-dm/id6446882771)

This app offers end-to-end encrypted private messaging for users of Bluesky and ATProtocol. It prioritizes user control, privacy, and consent, allowing for secure 1:1 chats and temporary contact methods without requiring personal information.

**Highlights:** End-to-end encrypted 1:1 messaging, Connects to ATProtocol accounts, Burner cards for temporary contacts, Authentication of message sources, Mute group conversations by card, No phone number or email required

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Network Messenger

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/network-messenger/id6739565676)

Connect with friends and family through secure, end-to-end encrypted messaging and calls. Organize events, birthdays, and group chats, with tools to sort your network. Enjoy a private, AI-free experience.

**Highlights:** End-to-end encrypted messaging, Voice and video calls, Event and group chat organization, Contact sorting with tags and notes, Soft location sharing, Smart reconnection reminders

**Features:** Siri integration, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual Subscription | $14.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Germ DM free?

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

### Is Network Messenger free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Germ DM or Network Messenger?

Network Messenger is rated higher. Germ DM averages 4.6 out of 5 from 19 ratings, while Network Messenger averages 5.0 from 27 ratings.

### Do Germ DM or Network Messenger have ads?

Neither Germ DM nor Network Messenger shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Germ DM or Network Messenger?

Germ DM ships an update every 10 days, and Network Messenger every 4 days. Most recently, Germ DM was updated on October 13, 2026 and Network Messenger on October 15, 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.*