JoinU @Harvard vs Circle Meets
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side ā with what reviewers say about each.
JoinU @Harvard
Read full descriptionHide full description
JoinU is a mobile app that helps build community at Harvard by connecting people around shared interests. Want to advertise a new event? Need activity partners? Explore new activities? Do this and more with JoinU.
Circle Meets
Read full descriptionHide full description
Circle is the college-exclusive app that matches you based on compatibility, not just photos and one-liners. Answer questions, and get matched with people who share priorities. HOW IT WORKS ⢠Answer fun questions about life, dating, and college ⢠See anonymous answer distributions. ⢠Get matched weekly with compatible people from your campus ⢠Schedule dates directly in the app ANONYMOUS CRUSH Have someone in mind? Submit their .edu email anonymously. If they're on Circle, you'll be guaranteed to match. If not, we'll connect you when they join. They'll never know it was a crush - it looks just like a regular match. GROUP OUTINGS Not just for dating. Discover and create group hangouts to make new friends from your campus: ⢠Study sessions, coffee runs, sports, parties & more ⢠Filter by activity, date, and available spots ⢠Chat with your group before you meet ⢠Set filters for gender or class year WHY CIRCLE? - No shallow swiping - matches based on how you think - See how your campus actually feels about things - Get anonymously and magically matched with your crush - Less pressure: weekly matches, not endless swiping - Expand your circle of friends with fun outings WHO IT'S FOR Circle is exclusively for college students with a valid .edu email. Currently available at Harvard College with more schools coming soon.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: JoinU @Harvard at none against Circle Meets's shown. JoinU @Harvard also leads on iOS requirement (13.4 vs 15.1). Circle Meets's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
JoinU @Harvard ships an update monthly, Circle Meets fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and September 12, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | JoinU @Harvard | Circle Meets |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Fortnightly ā better |
| Ads | No ā better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod ā better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.4 ā better | 15.1 |
| Further details ā not scored | ||
| Size | 26 MB | 34 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Harvard University | Anthesis IG, Inc. |
In-app purchases
JoinU @Harvard
No in-app purchases
Circle Meets
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is JoinU @Harvard free?
Is Circle Meets free?
Do JoinU @Harvard or Circle Meets have ads?
Which is updated more often, JoinU @Harvard or Circle Meets?
Other comparisons















