# Protocol vs Elsewhere

The clearest difference is monetization model: Elsewhere at free against Protocol's paid. Elsewhere also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 months). Protocol's advantage is ratings volume (4 vs 1). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads 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 — 5.0 for Protocol against 5.0 for Elsewhere. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 1 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Protocol ships an update every 2 months, Elsewhere every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Protocol | Elsewhere |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/protocol-sound-system/id6745834104/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elsewhere-sleep-and-calm/id6796833718/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 1 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [hsla0001](https://appshunter.io/developer/1778537322) | [Tal Sheldon](https://appshunter.io/developer/6796833720) |

## What reviewers say

### Protocol

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/protocol-sound-system/id6745834104)

This app generates refined ambient noise with a unique tactile and visual experience. It offers precise control over sound frequencies and features an elegant particle system that responds to touch, designed for focus, calm, and sleep.

**Highlights:** Ambient noise generation, Touch-responsive particle system, Precise frequency control, Haptic feedback, Background playback, Media controls integration

**In-app purchases:** none


### Elsewhere

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elsewhere-sleep-and-calm/id6796833718)

Find relaxation and aid sleep with a curated collection of stories and soundscapes. Easily search for content matching your current mood or needs, and save your favorites for later.

**Highlights:** Sleep stories, Relaxing soundscapes, Mood-based content, Easy search functionality, Save favorite content

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Protocol free?

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

### Is Elsewhere free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Protocol or Elsewhere?

Protocol and Elsewhere are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Protocol or Elsewhere have ads?

Neither Protocol nor Elsewhere shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Protocol or Elsewhere?

Protocol ships an update every 2 months, and Elsewhere every 3 days. Most recently, Protocol was updated on September 28, 2026 and Elsewhere on October 7, 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.*