# Lab.zip vs PicoChat for iMessage

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PicoChat for iMessage at none against Lab.zip's 2. PicoChat for iMessage also leads on update cadence (daily vs fortnightly) and rating (4.5 vs 4.3). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Lab.zip sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $8.00 per month. PicoChat for iMessage asks for nothing beyond the download.

PicoChat for iMessage holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PicoChat for iMessage has 98 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of Lab.zip's written reviews are positive against 79% of PicoChat for iMessage's.

Lab.zip ships an update fortnightly, PicoChat for iMessage daily. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lab.zip | PicoChat for iMessage |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/labzip/id6738157564/reviews) | **[4.5 (98 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/picochat-for-imessage/id6741395468/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **98** |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | **79.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 45 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 16.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lab.zip Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1779622267) | [Idrees Hassan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1374644873) |

## What reviewers say

### Lab.zip

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/labzip/id6738157564)

A visual research platform for creatives, offering curated references and contextual analysis for design inspiration. It provides focused research to help users find clarity and direction in their creative projects.

**Highlights:** Visual discovery, Contextual analysis, Curated references, In-depth research, Personal library access, Inspiration for creatives

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $8.00 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $72.00 | per year |


### PicoChat for iMessage

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/picochat-for-imessage/id6741395468)

Relive the nostalgia of early 2000s handheld messaging with this retro drawing app for iMessage. Create tiny pixel art, use unique emoji, and share your creations with friends, even if they don't have the app installed. Features include undo, saving favorites, and customization options.

**Highlights:** Create tiny drawings in iMessage, Dozens of pixel emoji, Undo mistakes, Save favorite drawings, Customize name and color

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Perfection
- 👍 Super Cute!!
- 👍 Oh my lord
- 👍 YES!
- 👍 So much fun!

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Needs multiple size formats
- 🐛 No icon app cannot be found
- 🐛 A few bugs!
- 🐛 almost perfect
- 🐛 Why is there no icon for it on the homescreen or any way to delete? 🧐

**Reported bugs**

- Settings don't save
- Cursor turns into scribbles when writing too fast
- Rainbow pen lags the app and force closes messages
- Doesn't accommodate all screen sizes

**Requested features**

- Bigger keyboard size
- Dark Mode support
- Scaling fix for iPad
- Ability to transform photos into drawings


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Lab.zip free?

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

### Is PicoChat for iMessage free?

PicoChat for iMessage is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Lab.zip or PicoChat for iMessage?

PicoChat for iMessage is rated higher. Lab.zip averages 4.3 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while PicoChat for iMessage averages 4.5 from 98 ratings.

### Do Lab.zip or PicoChat for iMessage have ads?

Neither Lab.zip nor PicoChat for iMessage shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Lab.zip or PicoChat for iMessage?

Lab.zip ships an update fortnightly, and PicoChat for iMessage daily. Most recently, Lab.zip was updated on November 4, 2026 and PicoChat for iMessage on October 30, 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.*