# Chat Archive vs WA Backup Reader

The clearest difference is ads: Chat Archive at none against WA Backup Reader's shown. WA Backup Reader's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Chat Archive sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and WA Backup Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Chat Archive ships an update weekly, WA Backup Reader every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Chat Archive | WA Backup Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chat-archive-export-and-backup/id6743768869/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2** | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 62 MB | 31 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Danilo Souza](https://appshunter.io/developer/680249353) | [Innervate](https://appshunter.io/developer/1184312610) |

## What reviewers say

### Chat Archive

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chat-archive-export-and-backup/id6743768869)

Easily import and search your WhatsApp chat exports offline on your device. View messages, media, and voice notes, transcribe audio, and export conversations to PDF for long-term storage or sharing. Take control of your chat history without needing an account.

**Highlights:** Import WhatsApp chat exports, Offline chat viewing, Searchable messages, Media and voice note support, Voice note transcription, Export to PDF, No account required

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Access (1 Month) | $5.99 | per month |
| Premium Access (1 Year) | $44.99 | per year |
| Premium Lifetime | $20.99 | one-time |


### WA Backup Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wa-backup-reader/id6762509321)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Chat Archive free?

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

### Is WA Backup Reader free?

WA Backup Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Chat Archive or WA Backup Reader have ads?

WA Backup Reader shows ads; Chat Archive does not.

### Which is updated more often, Chat Archive or WA Backup Reader?

Chat Archive ships an update weekly, and WA Backup Reader every 4 days. Most recently, Chat Archive was updated on October 6, 2026 and WA Backup Reader 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.*