# NSChat vs Local Chat

The clearest difference is rating: Local Chat at 4.5 against NSChat's 4.0. Local Chat also leads on ratings volume (56 vs 1). NSChat's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 71%) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NSChat sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Local Chat sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Local Chat holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Local Chat has 56 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 100% of NSChat's written reviews are positive against 71% of Local Chat's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

NSChat ships an update every 10 days, Local Chat every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NSChat | Local Chat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nschat/id6478404197/reviews) | **[4.5 (56 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/local-chat-private-ai-chatbot/id6504043428/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **56** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 71.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 7 MB | 164 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Moderato Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1732714750) | [Anthony R. DePasquale](https://appshunter.io/developer/1696305034) |

## What reviewers say

### NSChat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nschat/id6478404197)

This native chatbot allows you to connect with various AI models using your own API key. It offers a smooth user experience with gestures and haptic feedback, and prioritizes user privacy with no ads, subscriptions, or data collection.

**Highlights:** Connect to popular AI providers, Use your own API key, Fluid gestures and haptic feedback, No ads, No subscription, No data collection

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Buy me a coffee | $0.29 | one-time |


### Local Chat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/local-chat-private-ai-chatbot/id6504043428)

Run powerful open language models directly on your Apple devices, even offline. Enjoy private conversations with AI assistants that can be customized to your needs. Save and sync chats across your Mac, iPad, and iPhone.

**Highlights:** Offline AI chat, Open language models, Private conversations, Cross-device sync, Customizable personality, Model selection

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Local Chat Pro | $8.99 | per month |
| Local Chat Pro | $39.99 | per year |
| Local Chat Pro | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NSChat free?

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

### Is Local Chat free?

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

### Which has better reviews, NSChat or Local Chat?

Local Chat is rated higher. NSChat averages 4.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Local Chat averages 4.5 from 56 ratings.

### Do NSChat or Local Chat have ads?

Neither NSChat nor Local Chat shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NSChat or Local Chat?

NSChat ships an update every 10 days, and Local Chat every 9 days. Most recently, NSChat was updated on September 17, 2026 and Local Chat on September 25, 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.*