LinkBuddy vs Main Character
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
LinkBuddy
This is a free, open-source client for a self-hosted bookmark management service. It allows users to add, edit, archive, and search bookmarks, with support for a share sheet extension and an in-app browser. It's privacy-focused and ad-free.
- Add, edit, archive, delete bookmarks
- Search bookmarks (active, archive, unread, untagged, shared)
- Share sheet extension for external app sharing
- In-app browser with Safari Reader View
- Dark and light mode themes
- iPad compatible
- Privacy focused and ad-free
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LinkBuddy is a free and open source client for linkding, a selfhosted bookmark management service. NOTE: This does not work without a selfhosted instance of linkding and an associated API access token. Please see more information about setting up linkding here: https://linkding.link/ Features: - Add, edit, archive and delete bookmarks - View and search your active, archive, unread, untagged, and shared bookmarks - Supports share sheet extension to share URLs from other apps into LinkBuddy - Open and view links in in-app web browser - Supports Safari Reader View via in-app web browser - Supports dark mode and light mode themes - iPad compatible - Privacy focused - this app doesn't store or track any personal user information, logs, or display any ads - Free and open source: https://github.com/peterto/LinkBuddy
Main Character
Build and maintain positive habits with a streamlined tracking system. Focus on consistency with quick check-ins, streak recovery tools, and visual progress. Offers optional Pro features for unlimited tracking and advanced insights.
- Ready-made or custom habit creation
- One-tap check-in with mistake correction
- Streak visibility and recovery tools
- Visual progress tracking (XP, Aura)
- Cross-device syncing (iPhone, web)
- Up to 10 habits on free plan
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Build habits without turning tracking into another chore. Main Character helps you start a focused routine, check in quickly, and keep streaks you can trust. Create daily or weekly habits and watch your progress build over time. LESS LOGGING, MORE FOLLOW-THROUGH • Start with a ready-made routine or create your own habits • Check in with one tap and undo or correct mistakes • Set reminders that fit your schedule • See streaks, completion history, and progress over time • Keep your habits synced across iPhone, iPad, and the web • Track up to 10 active habits on the free plan STREAKS THAT MAKE SENSE Your streak should reflect what you actually did. Main Character keeps the check-ins behind each streak visible, gives you tools to fix mistakes, and helps you recover when real life interrupts the routine. PROGRESS WITHOUT ANOTHER COMPLICATED DASHBOARD See today’s habits first, then explore your history when you want more detail. XP and Aura add fun progression that support your journey and a way to earn streak fixes for when life gets in the way. OPTIONAL MAIN CHARACTER PRO Pro is optional and includes unlimited active habits, all-time progress history, automatic check-ins with supported integrations, unlimited level progression, and 2× XP and Aura. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: LinkBuddy at none against Main Character's 3. LinkBuddy also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 26.0). Main Character's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Main Character sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. LinkBuddy asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for LinkBuddy against 5.0 for Main Character. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.
LinkBuddy ships an update every 2 months, Main Character every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | LinkBuddy | Main Character |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 2 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 9 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Freemium |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 — better | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 22 MB | 43 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Peter To | GABRIEL ANTONIO MAYS |
Customer experience
LinkBuddy
Main Character
In-app purchases
LinkBuddy
No in-app purchases
Main Character
- Monthly Pro$9.991 Month
- Annual Pro14 Days trial$29.991 Year
- Annual Pro First Year Offer1 Year trial$29.991 Year









