# Chatback vs Lachlan

The clearest difference is monetization model: Chatback at free with in-app purchases against Lachlan's subscription. Chatback also leads on ratings volume (2.9K vs 8) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 26.0). Lachlan's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (100% vs 69%). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Chatback sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Lachlan sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Lachlan holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Chatback has 2.9K ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of Chatback's written reviews are positive against 100% of Lachlan's.

Chatback ships an update every 3 weeks, Lachlan every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Chatback | Lachlan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (2.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chatback-text-in-color/id6449154554/reviews) | **[5.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lachlan-screen-time-control/id6792966928/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **2.9K** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | 69.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 57 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [CHELM PRODUCTIONS LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1498674549) | [ND Enterprises](https://appshunter.io/developer/6792966930) |

## What reviewers say

### Chatback

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chatback-text-in-color/id6449154554)

This AI-powered app helps you craft engaging text messages with various tones, characters, and emotions. It can generate replies, translate messages instantly, and even help you flirt or create excuses. Enhance your conversations with over 100 unique styles.

**Highlights:** AI-powered text generation, Color text messaging, Instant message replies, Character voice imitation, 100+ emotions and tones, Instant message translation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium (Weekly) | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Chatback Premium | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium (Monthly) | $12.99 | per month |
| Premium (Annual Deal) | $19.99 | per year |
| Premium (Annual) | $39.99 | per year |
| Add Custom Emotion | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and easy to use
- 🚀 Helpful for conversations
- 💡 Variety of text options
- 🤩 Enjoyable experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Too many paid features
- 🔒 Locked content behind paywall
- 📺 Excessive ads
- 🔍 Limited free options

**Reported bugs**

- Ads not working properly
- Difficulty accessing paid content

**Requested features**

- More free text options
- Ability to customize text
- Additional language support
- Voice recording feature


### Lachlan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lachlan-screen-time-control/id6792966928)

This app acts as a digital padlock that blocks distracting applications on a set schedule. It requires users to explain their reasons for wanting to access blocked apps, making the decision to bypass the block a conscious one rather than a reflex. It aims to create friction and awkwardness to prevent accidental usage.

**Highlights:** Scheduled app blocking, Justification required for bypass, Personalized reminders, Instant lockdown mode, Offline functionality, Home screen widget

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Lachlan Monthly Subscription | $7.99 | per month |
| Lachlan Yearly Subscription | $69.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Chatback free?

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

### Is Lachlan free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Chatback or Lachlan?

Lachlan is rated higher. Chatback averages 4.6 out of 5 from 2.9K ratings, while Lachlan averages 5.0 from 8 ratings.

### Do Chatback or Lachlan have ads?

Chatback shows ads; Lachlan does not.

### Which is updated more often, Chatback or Lachlan?

Chatback ships an update every 3 weeks, and Lachlan every 9 days. Most recently, Chatback was updated on October 27, 2026 and Lachlan on October 29, 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.*