# Shorter vs Web Messenger

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shorter at none against Web Messenger's 14. Shorter also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 8 days vs every 4 weeks). Web Messenger's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Web Messenger sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Shorter asks for nothing beyond the download.

Shorter ships an update every 8 days, Web Messenger every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shorter | Web Messenger |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.4 (5.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/web-messenger-dual-chat/id6572295755/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **5.2K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 77.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 8 days** | Every 4 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 90 MB | 72 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Brian Masse](https://appshunter.io/developer/1523879029) | [Pravin Gondaliya](https://appshunter.io/developer/1210259494) |

## What reviewers say

### Shorter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shorter/id6505039882)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Web Messenger

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/web-messenger-dual-chat/id6572295755)

Easily manage multiple chat accounts on a single device. Access web chat, use dual accounts in parallel, and connect quickly with phone number login. Securely back up important conversations for peace of mind.

**Highlights:** Dual chat accounts, Parallel space support, Phone number login, Chat backup and restore, Web messenger access, Direct chat without saving number

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| StoryBox - 1 Month | $4.99 | per month |
| StoryBox - 1 Month Premium | $4.99 | per month |
| StoryBox - 1 Week Premium | $5.90 | per 7 days |
| StoryBox - 1 Week Premium | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| StoryBox - 1 Month Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| StoryBox - 1 Month | $9.99 | per month |
| StoryBox - 1 Week | $14.99 | per 7 days |
| StoryBox - 1 Month Premium | $14.99 | per month |
| StoryBox - 1 Year | $29.99 | per year |
| StoryBox - 1 Year Premium | $39.99 | per year |
| StoryBox - LifeTime | $59.99 | one-time |
| StoryBox - LifeTime | $79.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Useful app
- 🚀 Quickly saves WhatsApp statuses
- 💖 Helps save memories

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and glitchy
- 🔒 Security concerns with unauthorized payments
- 🤔 Confusing QR code setup

**Reported bugs**

- Unexpected charges and payments
- Frequent crashes and freezes
- Compatibility issues with older devices

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Improved security measures
- Simpler setup process


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shorter free?

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

### Is Web Messenger free?

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

### Do Shorter or Web Messenger have ads?

Web Messenger shows ads; Shorter does not.

### Which is updated more often, Shorter or Web Messenger?

Shorter ships an update every 8 days, and Web Messenger every 4 weeks. Most recently, Shorter was updated on October 5, 2026 and Web Messenger on October 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.*