Comparison

Pal Chat vs InstaLM

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

Head to head
About

Pal Chat

This app acts as a universal AI chat client, supporting a wide range of models and features like image input, image generation, and offline capabilities. It offers a private and secure experience with no data collection and no ads.

Highlights
  • Supports all major AI models
  • Image input and generation
  • Offline local model support
  • Save prompts and history
  • Stream responses
  • Full Markdown and LaTeX support
Features
Read full description

The last AI iOS app you'll need! Pal Chat is a lightweight, powerful, and feature-rich AI Chat Client for your iPhone. It supports EVERY AI model in one interface, including support for: GPT-5.5, Claude 4.7, Gemini 3.1, Grok 4.3, Cursor, Advanced Voice Mode, Image input, GPT-Image 2, Groq, Perplexity, OpenRouter, DeepSeek, Mistral, Fal.ai, Together.ai, custom endpoints, and fully offline local models. No ads, fully private and secure - NO data is collected. Features Overview: - Save multiple prompts and system messages - Store conversation history on-device - Use Image input to process images - Generate images through GPT-Image, Stable Diffusion, Flux, or Fal.ai - Regenerate responses - Edit your questions - Stream the response - Easily switch between models - See the token length and cost of the conversation - Copy an entire conversation from the history page - Full Markdown, LaTeX, and Syntax Highlighting Support - Siri Shortcuts Support Some Benefits of the App over the website: - No usage limits - Privacy - History is only stored on-device - Lets you edit the system message and temperature values - Universal - easily switch many different models Make sure to get an API Key! ‘Pal’ is not liable for any content generated. Terms of Use: https://bit.ly/termsOfUsePalChatEULA Privacy Policy: https://bit.ly/privacyPolicyPalChatEULA

About

InstaLM

Features
Read full description

InstaLM is your intelligent AI chat companion. Have natural conversations with advanced AI that understands context, answers questions, and helps you accomplish tasks with ease. KEY FEATURES Smart Conversations Chat naturally with AI that remembers your conversation context. Ask follow-up questions, explore topics in depth, and get thoughtful, detailed responses. Document Understanding Attach PDFs, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and code files. InstaLM reads and understands your documents to provide contextual answers and analysis. Supported formats include PDF, DOCX, XLSX, and 15+ programming languages. Image Understanding Share images and get instant insights. InstaLM can analyze photos, describe visual content, and answer questions about what it sees. Voice Input & Output Speak naturally and listen to responses read aloud. Text-to-Speech support in multiple languages makes hands-free interaction seamless. Conversation History Never lose track of important chats. Your conversations are organized and searchable, making it easy to revisit past discussions. Export & Organize Export your conversations to Markdown or plain text for backup and sharing. Pin important chats for quick access. Custom Instructions Personalize the AI's behavior to match your preferences. Set custom instructions that apply to all your conversations. Cross-Platform Support Available on both iPhone and Mac with a shared, consistent experience. Your conversations are stored locally on each device. Beautiful Design Enjoy a clean, modern interface with light and dark themes. The tactile design makes chatting feel natural and intuitive. Privacy-Focused Your conversations are handled with care and security. INSTALM PLUS Unlock your full potential with premium features: - More AI usage - Unlock Advanced Features - Priority Service Choose from flexible subscription options: - Weekly, Monthly, or Annual plans available Experience the power of AI conversation with InstaLM. Download now and discover your intelligent chat companion! Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.instalm.com/privacy-policy

Screenshots

Pal Chat4 screens
InstaLM2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: InstaLM at every 4 days against Pal Chat's every 3 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. Pal Chat sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and InstaLM sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Pal Chat ships an update every 3 weeks, InstaLM every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Pal Chat versus InstaLM: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPal ChatInstaLM
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (437 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews59.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings437 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size104 MB29 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperPulkit Agarwal旻 蔡

Bugs and requests

Pal Chat

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Inability to change AI provider
  • Freezing on long responses
  • Unavailability of certain models (e.g., GPT-4o-mini)

Requested features

5 requests
  • Conversation history search
  • Support for local/self-hosted models
  • Multimodal support (vision, audio)
  • Ability to edit/delete messages in conversation
  • Dynamic model listing from providers

InstaLM

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Pal Chat

Subscriptions2
  • Pal Chat Pro3 Days trial$6.991 Month
  • Pal Chat Pro Annual7 Days trial$68.991 Year
3 purchases

InstaLM

Subscriptions3
  • InstaLM Plus (Weekly)3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • InstaLM Plus (Monthly)3 Days trial$19.991 Month
  • InstaLM Plus (Annual)3 Days trial$199.991 Year

Questions

Is Pal Chat free?
Pal Chat is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is InstaLM free?
InstaLM is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Pal Chat or InstaLM have ads?
Neither Pal Chat nor InstaLM shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Pal Chat or InstaLM?
Pal Chat ships an update every 3 weeks, and InstaLM every 4 days. Most recently, Pal Chat was updated on October 30, 2026 and InstaLM on September 23, 2026.

Other comparisons