# Dark18 vs ADS Messenger

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ADS Messenger at 100% against Dark18's 40%. ADS Messenger also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.8) and ads (none vs shown). Dark18's advantage is ratings volume (165 vs 3) and monetization model (ad-supported vs freemium). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Dark18 sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and ADS Messenger sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $0.89 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ADS Messenger holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Dark18 has 165 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 40% of Dark18's written reviews are positive against 100% of ADS Messenger's.

Dark18 ships an update weekly, ADS Messenger every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Dark18 | ADS Messenger |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (165 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dark18/id6749346497/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ads-messenger/id6751153552/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **165** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 40.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Freemium |
| Size | 130 MB | 189 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Ana Lucila Gomez Navarro](https://appshunter.io/developer/1830136813) | [ADS Messenger](https://appshunter.io/developer/1833721049) |

## What reviewers say

### Dark18

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dark18/id6749346497)

A private messenger offering secure end-to-end encrypted chats, HD voice and video calls, and community groups. Share updates through stories that disappear after 24 hours, all within a sleek, dark-themed interface. It's designed for users who prioritize privacy and freedom in their communication.

**Highlights:** End-to-end encrypted messaging, HD voice and video calls, Private and public groups, 24-hour disappearing stories, Dark-themed interface, Secure sync across devices

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium Access | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium Access | $8.99 | per month |
| Yearly Premium Access | $90.99 | per year |
| Weekly Premium Access | $5.99 | one-time |
| Monthly Premium Access | $8.99 | one-time |
| Yearly Premium Access | $99.99 | one-time |


### ADS Messenger

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ads-messenger/id6751153552)

Experience a private and secure way to connect with others. This chat app offers full control over your data and conversations, with customizable features and reliable, ad-free messaging.

**Highlights:** Control message deletion and read receipts, Group chats with moderation tools, Fast, secure cloud-based messaging, No ads or data tracking, Customizable chat experience

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $0.89 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $12.99 | per year |
| 1-Week Premium Gift | $0.99 | one-time |
| 1-Month Premium Gift | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Dark18 free?

Dark18 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is ADS Messenger free?

ADS Messenger is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Dark18 or ADS Messenger?

ADS Messenger is rated higher. Dark18 averages 3.8 out of 5 from 165 ratings, while ADS Messenger averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Dark18 or ADS Messenger have ads?

Dark18 shows ads; ADS Messenger does not.

### Which is updated more often, Dark18 or ADS Messenger?

Dark18 ships an update weekly, and ADS Messenger every 3 days. Most recently, Dark18 was updated on October 12, 2026 and ADS Messenger on October 1, 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.*