# Atom Messenger vs Wave

Atom Messenger and Wave are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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

Atom Messenger ships an update every 3 weeks, Wave every 4 weeks. Both last shipped on September 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Atom Messenger | Wave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wave-secure-messaging/id6755153686/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 4 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 42 MB | 149 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [igloocy s.r.l.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1691843040) | [Simhadri Bogula](https://appshunter.io/developer/1797254968) |

## What reviewers say

### Atom Messenger

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/atom-messenger/id6450101210)

**In-app purchases:** none


### Wave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wave-secure-messaging/id6755153686)

A privacy-focused messaging app offering end-to-end encrypted chats without requiring sign-ups or personal information. It utilizes a decentralized network for enhanced user control and supports both one-to-one and group conversations.

**Highlights:** End-to-end encryption, No sign-up required, Decentralized network, One-to-one and group chats, Optional Bluesky integration, Ad-free and tracker-free

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Atom Messenger free?

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

### Is Wave free?

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

### Do Atom Messenger or Wave have ads?

Neither Atom Messenger nor Wave shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Atom Messenger or Wave?

Atom Messenger ships an update every 3 weeks, and Wave every 4 weeks. Most recently, Atom Messenger was updated on September 6, 2026 and Wave on September 6, 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.*