Comparison

Lookinglass vs ARKA AI

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Lookinglass

Access 30 OpenAI models with transparent pricing and robust privacy controls. Enjoy a pay-as-you-go wallet system, local data encryption, and iCloud sync for seamless cross-device use. Customize AI behavior and export conversations in various formats.

Highlights
  • Access 30 OpenAI models
  • Transparent cost estimates per message
  • Pay-as-you-go wallet system
  • Local data encryption
  • Optional iCloud sync
  • Export conversations (text, markdown, JSON)
  • Customizable AI personality and memory
Features
Read full description

Lookinglass: AI Chat with Complete Transparency & Control Take control of your AI experience with Lookinglass—the only chat app that gives you direct access to over 30 OpenAI models with complete cost transparency and privacy protection. Start free with $1 credit on sign-up—try any model risk-free. Guest mode lets you explore without signing in. No credit card required—all purchases via secure in-app payments. Designed for iPhone and iPad. Why Lookinglass Stands Apart: COMPLETE FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY • See the maximum cost for every message with live token estimates • Pay-as-you-go wallet system—no subscriptions or hidden fees • Flexible top-ups: 9 amounts ($1-$500). Bonus credits: 3% at $100, 5% at $200, 10% at $500 • Export detailed transaction history and track every interaction • Choose between Fast and Reliable (Standard) or Smart Savings (50% savings) billing • Spending alerts: set thresholds to prevent budget surprises • True cost control: Only pay for what you use, when you use it UNMATCHED MODEL ACCESS • Model lineup: Over 30 OpenAI models including cutting-edge gpt-5.5 • Pro models: Access 6 distinct pro level models without an enterprise agreement • Deep Research: variants available for o3 and o4-mini • Web Search: real-time internet access on supported models • Model flexibility: switch mid-conversation with transparent pricing for each • Advanced controls: creativity levels, reasoning depth, response detail, and AI power level TRUE PRIVACY PROTECTION • All conversations stored locally on your device with AES-256 encryption • Military-grade encryption at rest using Apple's CryptoKit framework • We cannot see or access your chat content—ever • Guest mode and Apple Sign-In with complete data isolation • Only metadata and wallet balances stored remotely • GDPR and privacy-compliant with no data collection or tracking SECURE iCLOUD SYNC • Optional iCloud sync keeps your data private and encrypted across devices • All synced data remains in your Apple iCloud account—never shared with third parties • Encryption keys stored securely in iCloud Keychain • Sync includes: conversations, settings, and permanent memory • Works seamlessly across all your iOS devices (iPhone and iPad) SMART ORGANIZATION & CONTROL • Chat threads: organize, archive, rename, pin, and manage multiple conversations • Export conversations to text, markdown, or JSON • Smart Memory: control how much conversation history your AI remembers • AI Personality: customize responses with permanent memory preferences • Voice-to-text for natural conversation flow POWER USER FEATURES • Creativity: from laser-focused precision to creative brainstorming • AI Power: quick summaries or deep analysis • Response Detail: concise answers or detailed explanations • Live streaming responses or complete answers—your choice • Advanced model controls for professional workflows GLOBAL ACCESSIBILITY • 5 languages supported: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, & Italian • Localized interface for seamless international use Perfect For: Research projects, creative writing, email drafting, coding assistance, learning new topics, brainstorming sessions, or intelligent conversation. Lookinglass works immediately—no setup required. Why Choose Lookinglass? Unlike other AI apps that lock you into subscriptions and limited models, Lookinglass gives you direct access to OpenAI's full model lineup with complete transparency about what you're paying for. Access all 6 pro models without enterprise contracts—just pay for what you use. Your conversations stay 100% private on your devices, while optional iCloud sync keeps everything in your personal Apple account. Complete Control: Your AI. Your data. Your privacy. Your budget. Start chatting in seconds. No subscriptions. No surprises. Complete control. EULA: https://lookinglass.ai/eula Privacy: https://lookinglass.ai/privacy

About

ARKA AI

Features
Read full description

Access the world's most powerful AI models in one beautifully designed AI chat app. ARKA AI is the ultimate AI assistant that brings ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Llama, Mistral, and more into a single powerful experience. Stop switching between AI apps. With ARKA AI, you can chat, write, research, and generate images using the best AI models available today. ONE APP. EVERY AI. Use the most advanced AI models in the world: • GPT-4o, GPT-4 Turbo & GPT-3.5 • Claude 3.5 Sonnet & Claude 3 Opus • Gemini Pro & Gemini Ultra • Llama 3, Mistral, Mixtral & more • New AI models added regularly Switch models instantly and compare responses from different AIs in one conversation. POWERFUL AI FEATURES • AI Chat Assistant – Ask questions and get intelligent answers instantly • AI Image Generator – Create stunning images with DALL-E 3 • Voice Input – Talk to AI hands-free • Conversation History – Seamlessly continue chats across devices • Lightning-Fast Responses – Optimized for speed and reliability • Beautiful Dark Mode Interface – Designed for a premium iOS experience BUILT-IN AI TOOLS ARKA AI includes powerful tools to help you work and create faster. • Web search for real-time information • URL reader for instant webpage analysis • YouTube video summarizer • Academic research assistant • Weather, stock data, and more WHY PEOPLE LOVE ARKA AI • Access multiple AI models in one app • Switch between models mid-conversation • Compare answers from different AIs • Privacy-focused design • Native iOS experience built for speed No need to juggle multiple AI subscriptions or apps. PERFECT FOR • Writing and brainstorming • Research and learning • Coding and development • Image generation and creative work • Everyday questions and productivity Whether you're writing, coding, studying, researching, or creating, ARKA AI gives you the right AI for every task. Download ARKA AI today and experience the future of AI chat. Questions? Contact us at [support@arka-ai.com](mailto:support@arka-ai.com) Learn more: [https://arka-ai.com](https://arka-ai.com) Terms: https://arka-ai.com/legal/terms Privacy: https://arka-ai.com/legal/privacy EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Lookinglass4 screens
ARKA AI4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: ARKA AI at every 4 days against Lookinglass's every 2 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Lookinglass sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and ARKA AI sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Lookinglass ships an update every 2 weeks, ARKA AI every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
Lookinglass versus ARKA AI: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLookinglassARKA AI
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB3 MB
Age rating12+17+
DeveloperCory HamiltonARKA Systems LLC

In-app purchases

10 purchases

Lookinglass

One-time10
  • $1 Credit Top-Up$1.00
  • $2 Credit Top-Up$2.00
  • $3 Credit Top-Up$3.00
Show 7 more
  • $5 Credit Top-Up$5.00
  • $10 Credit Top-Up$10.00
  • $20 Credit Top-Up$20.00
  • $50 Credit Top-Up$50.00
  • $100 Credit Top-Up$100.00
  • $200 Credit Top-Up$200.00
  • $500 Credit Top-Up$500.00
7 purchases

ARKA AI

Subscriptions4
  • Plus Monthly$14.991 Month
  • Pro Monthly$29.991 Month
  • Plus Annual$99.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Pro Annual$199.991 Year
One-time3
  • 200 Credits Pack$4.99
  • 600 Credits Pack$12.99
  • 2000 Credits Pack$34.99

Questions

Is Lookinglass free?
Lookinglass is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ARKA AI free?
ARKA AI is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Lookinglass or ARKA AI have ads?
Neither Lookinglass nor ARKA AI shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Lookinglass or ARKA AI?
Lookinglass ships an update every 2 weeks, and ARKA AI every 4 days. Most recently, Lookinglass was updated on October 2, 2026 and ARKA AI on September 27, 2026.

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