# Buddy vs AI Chat

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Buddy at 100% against AI Chat's 53%. Buddy also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 9) and ads (none vs shown). AI Chat's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (15 vs 18.0). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AI Chat sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Buddy asks for nothing beyond the download.

Buddy ships an update every 2 months, AI Chat weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Buddy | AI Chat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.2 (107 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ai-chat-ai-chatbot-and-agent/id6740476813/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **107** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 53.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 209 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mark Searle](https://appshunter.io/developer/1789787599) | [Global Mobile App Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1783684102) |

## What reviewers say

### Buddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buddy-adhd-study-assistant/id6740407251)

This app helps users break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. It features timed focus sessions and scheduled breaks to prevent burnout, with visual progress tracking and positive reinforcement to build confidence and healthy habits.

**Highlights:** Simple task breakdown, Customized focus system, Timed focus periods, Scheduled breaks, Visual progress tracking, Positive reinforcement, Clean, calming interface

**In-app purchases:** none


### AI Chat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ai-chat-ai-chatbot-and-agent/id6740476813)

This app leverages advanced AI models to assist with a wide range of tasks, from generating images and writing essays to analyzing documents and checking grammar. It acts as a smart assistant to boost productivity and efficiency in various creative and academic endeavors.

**Highlights:** AI image generation from text prompts, AI writing assistant for essays and content, Document analysis and summarization (PDF), Grammar checking and editing, AI email writer with templates, Text recognition from images, AI homework helper with math solutions

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AI Chatbot VIP 1 Week | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| AI Chatbot VIP 1 Week | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| AI Chatbot VIP 1 Month | $14.99 | per month |
| AI Chatbot VIP 1 Year | $29.99 | per year |
| AI Chatbot VIP 1 Year | $29.99 | per year |
| AI Chatbot VIP 1 Year | $33.99 | per year |
| AI Chatbot VIP 1 Year | $33.99 | per year |
| AI Chatbot VIP 1 Year | $39.99 | per year |
| AI Chat VIP Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great app features
- 💡 Impressive options worth the investment

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Permanent license lost after deleting app
- 🔒 PDF files limited to 10 pages
- 🔒 Lifetime license not restored
- 🔒 Existing features locked behind paywall
- 🔒 Concerns about privacy and data sharing

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes and errors
- Nothing to restore after updates

**Requested features**

- Clarification on pricing and lifetime access
- Transparency on feature locking and subscription plans


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Buddy free?

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

### Is AI Chat free?

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

### Do Buddy or AI Chat have ads?

AI Chat shows ads; Buddy does not.

### Which is updated more often, Buddy or AI Chat?

Buddy ships an update every 2 months, and AI Chat weekly. Most recently, Buddy was updated on September 27, 2026 and AI Chat on October 10, 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.*