# Messier vs Altering

The clearest difference is rating: Messier at 5.0 against Altering's 4.5. Messier also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and review sentiment (100% vs 89%). Altering's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 16 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Altering sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Messier asks for nothing beyond the download.

Messier holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 21 and 6 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Messier's written reviews are positive against 89% of Altering's.

Messier ships an update every 16 months, Altering fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Messier | Altering |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/messier-creativity-unlocked/id6478888102/reviews)** | [4.5 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/altering-your-creative-ritual/id6480117935/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **21** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 88.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 16 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 41 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Creyo Co.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1588772672) | [Altering Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1738224180) |

## What reviewers say

### Messier

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/messier-creativity-unlocked/id6478888102)

This app offers science-backed creative exercises designed to enhance problem-solving, overcome creative blocks, and manage stress through artistic expression. Connect with a community, track your progress, and discover new ways to bring fun and novelty into your life.

**Highlights:** Science-backed creativity exercises, Enhance problem-solving skills, Overcome creative blocks, Stress management through art, Community sharing and inspiration, Track creativity streaks

**In-app purchases:** none


### Altering

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/altering-your-creative-ritual/id6480117935)

Cultivate a daily creative habit to reduce stress, boost well-being, and enhance productivity. Engage in playful exercises designed to foster creative flow without judgment, strengthening your creative abilities and mental resilience. This app offers an active alternative to meditation, focusing on focused creation and idea generation.

**Highlights:** Daily creative exercises, Develops creative flow, Reduces stress and anxiety, Improves well-being, Boosts productivity, Active rest alternative

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| Annual subscription | $44.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Messier free?

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

### Is Altering free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Messier or Altering?

Messier is rated higher. Messier averages 5.0 out of 5 from 21 ratings, while Altering averages 4.5 from 6 ratings.

### Do Messier or Altering have ads?

Neither Messier nor Altering shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Messier or Altering?

Messier ships an update every 16 months, and Altering fortnightly. Most recently, Messier was updated on October 24, 2026 and Altering on October 7, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*