# Talkspace vs 23andMe

The clearest difference is monetization model: 23andMe at free with in-app purchases against Talkspace's subscription. 23andMe also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 6 weeks) and ratings volume (561K vs 47K). Talkspace's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and chart position (#198 vs unranked). On price, rating, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Talkspace against 4.8 for 23andMe. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: 23andMe has 561K ratings behind it against 47K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 27% of Talkspace's written reviews are positive against 40% of 23andMe's.

Talkspace ships an update every 6 weeks, 23andMe weekly. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Talkspace | 23andMe |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (47K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/talkspace-virtual-therapy-app/id661829386/reviews)** | [4.8 (561K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/23andme-dna-testing/id952516687/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 47K | **561K** |
| Positive reviews | 26.5% of reviews | **39.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#198** | — |
| Size | 19 MB | 106 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Groop Internet Platform inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/661829389) | [23andMe, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/524497400) |

## What reviewers say

### Talkspace

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/talkspace-virtual-therapy-app/id661829386)

**Currently charting:** #198 Top Free · Health & Fitness (US App Store)

Access licensed therapists for online mental health support through text, audio, and video messaging. Receive personalized support and custom podcasts to aid your mental wellness journey. Insurance and employer coverage options are available.

**Highlights:** Licensed therapist matching, Unlimited messaging (text, audio, video), Daily responses from therapists, Personalized Talkcast podcasts, Insurance and employer coverage, HIPAA compliant security

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Convenient online therapy
- 👍 Helpful therapists
- 💡 Innovative concept
- 🔒 Secure platform

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unresponsive customer service
- 💰 Expensive pricing
- 🕰️ Slow therapist response times
- 🔀 Difficulty switching therapists
- 🚫 Lack of in-network insurance coverage

**Reported bugs**

- Technical issues with app and website
- Glitches in booking and rescheduling appointments
- Inconsistent therapist availability and communication

**Requested features**

- Ability to schedule live sessions
- Option to extend session credits beyond monthly cycle
- Improved user interface and navigation
- More transparency around billing and cancellation policies


### 23andMe

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/23andme-dna-testing/id952516687)

Explore your genetic heritage and potential health predispositions. Connect with DNA relatives and gain personalized insights into your ancestry and wellness. Offers tiered services for deeper health analysis and research participation.

**Highlights:** Ancestry exploration by region, Personalized health insights, Connect with DNA relatives, Premium health reports, Research participation option, Data privacy controls

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Detailed ancestry and health reports
- 👍 Easy to navigate app
- 🎉 Found biological family members
- 💡 Interesting genetic insights
- 🧬 Confirmed family history

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy app performance
- 📤 Difficult to download raw data
- 💰 Expensive subscription fees
- 🔍 Lacking in-depth ancestry details
- 🚫 Does not recognize Palestinian ancestry

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes and freezes frequently
- Relatives not showing up in family tree
- Messaging functionality unreliable
- Inconsistent data updates across user profiles

**Requested features**

- Improved family tree functionality
- More detailed regional ancestry breakdowns
- Better messaging and relative connection features
- Ability to view health reports without additional fees


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Talkspace free?

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

### Is 23andMe free?

23andMe is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Talkspace or 23andMe?

Talkspace is rated higher. Talkspace averages 4.8 out of 5 from 47K ratings, while 23andMe averages 4.8 from 561K ratings.

### Do Talkspace or 23andMe have ads?

23andMe shows ads; Talkspace does not.

### Which is updated more often, Talkspace or 23andMe?

Talkspace ships an update every 6 weeks, and 23andMe weekly. Most recently, Talkspace was updated on November 3, 2026 and 23andMe on November 3, 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.*