# Mechanic vs Text Message Export

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Mechanic at none against Text Message Export's 3. Mechanic also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.1). Text Message Export's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Text Message Export sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per 7 days. Mechanic asks for nothing beyond the download.

Mechanic ships an update every 2 months, Text Message Export every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Mechanic | Text Message Export |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Size | 36 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 17.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [David Pina](https://appshunter.io/developer/1773309630) | [Nguyen Tra My Le](https://appshunter.io/developer/6780785826) |

## What reviewers say

### Mechanic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mechanic-assistant/id6748491573)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Text Message Export

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/text-message-export-chatkeep/id6780785824)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Membership Weekly | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Membership Monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| Premium Membership Yearly | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Mechanic free?

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

### Is Text Message Export free?

Text Message Export is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Mechanic or Text Message Export have ads?

Neither Mechanic nor Text Message Export shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Mechanic or Text Message Export?

Mechanic ships an update every 2 months, and Text Message Export every 9 days. Most recently, Mechanic was updated on October 7, 2026 and Text Message Export on October 6, 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.*