# ZenChatIM vs POP

The clearest difference is rating: ZenChatIM at 4.7 against POP's 3.3. ZenChatIM also leads on review sentiment (69% vs 40%) and ratings volume (216 vs 8). POP's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

ZenChatIM holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ZenChatIM has 216 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of ZenChatIM's written reviews are positive against 40% of POP's.

ZenChatIM ships an update monthly, POP fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ZenChatIM | POP |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (216 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zenchatim/id6476132820/reviews)** | [3.3 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pop-x/id6714480197/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **216** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | **69.0% of reviews** | 40.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 75 MB | 89 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [杭州安信博源科技有限公司](https://appshunter.io/developer/1725941146) | [Switchworks Technologies Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1456555635) |

## What reviewers say

### ZenChatIM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zenchatim/id6476132820)

This secure messaging app offers robust end-to-end encryption to protect user communication data. It includes advanced security features like anti-screenshot and remote destruction, alongside tools for efficient information exchange and processing.

**Highlights:** End-to-end encryption, Anti-screenshot protection, Remote destruction, Top secret sessions, Global search, Group chat bulletin board

**In-app purchases:** none


### POP

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pop-x/id6714480197)

This free and secure instant messaging tool allows for large group chats with tens of thousands of members. Communicate and share files and information anytime, anywhere. It prioritizes a safe and healthy communication environment.

**Highlights:** Free instant messaging, Secure communication, Large group chats (tens of thousands of members), File and information sharing, Safe communication environment

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Good to use
- 👍 Functionality is complete
- 👍 Privacy is good
- 👍 Interesting features
- 👍 Good chat experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Cannot receive verification code
- 🐛 Cannot log in to PC
- 🐛 Account disappeared
- 🐛 Connection issues
- 🐛 White wallpaper issue

**Reported bugs**

- Cannot receive verification code
- Cannot log in to PC
- Account disappeared
- App stuck on 'connecting'
- White wallpaper issue after setting

**Requested features**

- Develop Android and HarmonyOS versions
- Develop PC version
- Add rich text/image message function
- Add Moments/friend circle function
- Add animated messages


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ZenChatIM free?

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

### Is POP free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ZenChatIM or POP?

ZenChatIM is rated higher. ZenChatIM averages 4.7 out of 5 from 216 ratings, while POP averages 3.3 from 8 ratings.

### Do ZenChatIM or POP have ads?

Neither ZenChatIM nor POP shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ZenChatIM or POP?

ZenChatIM ships an update monthly, and POP fortnightly. Most recently, ZenChatIM was updated on October 18, 2026 and POP on October 19, 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.*