# A Message in a Bottle vs Network Messenger

The clearest difference is update cadence: Network Messenger at every 4 days against A Message in a Bottle's every 3 weeks. Network Messenger also leads on ratings volume (26 vs 5). A Message in a Bottle's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.6). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. A Message in a Bottle sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Network Messenger sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $14.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for A Message in a Bottle against 5.0 for Network Messenger. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Network Messenger has 26 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

A Message in a Bottle ships an update every 3 weeks, Network Messenger every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and July 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | A Message in a Bottle | Network Messenger |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/a-message-in-a-bottle/id6474155063/reviews) | [5.0 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/network-messenger/id6739565676/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **26** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 46 MB | 119 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [International Business Connect, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1720840904) | [Network Messenger, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1651167828) |

## What reviewers say

### A Message in a Bottle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/a-message-in-a-bottle/id6474155063)

Connect with others and send messages that unlock at a future date. Organize contacts, attach multimedia, and manage your communication with a user-friendly interface. Enjoy a unique way to share thoughts and memories.

**Highlights:** Create and manage contact networks, Send timed messages for future delivery, Attach photos, videos, and voice notes, Organized inbox and sent message tabs, Timed message visibility with countdown, User-friendly settings and account management, Video feed with like and share options

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Raft | $2.99 | per month |
| Boat | $3.99 | per month |
| Yacht | $9.99 | per month |
| Onetime message | $0.99 | one-time |
| Purchase 5 messages | $1.99 | one-time |
| Purchase 10 messages | $2.99 | one-time |


### 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:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (1)**

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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is A Message in a Bottle free?

A Message in a Bottle is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Network Messenger free?

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

### Which has better reviews, A Message in a Bottle or Network Messenger?

A Message in a Bottle and Network Messenger are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 5 and 26 ratings respectively.

### Do A Message in a Bottle or Network Messenger have ads?

Neither A Message in a Bottle nor Network Messenger shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, A Message in a Bottle or Network Messenger?

A Message in a Bottle ships an update every 3 weeks, and Network Messenger every 4 days. Most recently, A Message in a Bottle was updated on June 1, 2026 and Network Messenger on July 21, 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.*