Comparison

OSC Messaging vs AirChat

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

Head to head
About

OSC Messaging

Read full description

OSC Messaging keeps theatre and live-event teams in sync with fast, channel-based chat, live intercom, and OSC show control - all running entirely on your local Wi-Fi. No server, no accounts, no internet, no cloud. Originally developed as a way for Front of House sound to chat with backstage about wireless mic issues, patching, and everything else that comes up during a show. How it works - Open the app on every device on the same Wi-Fi network - they find each other automatically - Organize conversations by department channel (Audio, Lights, Deck, Props, Video, FOH) - Talk live on per-channel intercom party lines with push-to-talk, or send voice clip messages - Share photos, set per-channel notifications, and use quick replies - Send and receive OSC from consoles and show-control software - Use a Mac as a bridge into your existing wired comms system - Show your Wi-Fi join QR code so new devices can hop on fast Messages never touch the internet - they stay on your network and disappear when everyone leaves. If you're not on the Wi-Fi, you're not in the show.

About

AirChat

Communicate securely and privately with others on the same WiFi network, no internet required. Share messages, rich media, and voice notes instantly. Ideal for businesses, schools, and privacy-focused users.

Highlights
  • Instant local messaging
  • Rich media sharing
  • Voice messaging
  • Automatic peer discovery
  • Offline-first communication
  • Encrypted local storage
Features
Read full description

AirChat lets you message, call and share files with people on the same Wi-Fi network, without internet and without an account. Pick a name, and everyone nearby who has AirChat shows up. Messages go straight from one device to the other, encrypted end to end, and never pass through a server. WHAT YOU CAN DO Messaging - Instant text messages with delivered and read ticks - Photos, videos, voice messages and any kind of file - Messages you send while someone is away go out when they are back Calls - Free voice calls over your Wi-Fi - Video calls with Premium Find people nearby - Everyone on the same Wi-Fi who has AirChat appears automatically - No phone numbers, no email, no sign-up - Works on phones, tablets and Macs, together Private by design - Every connection is encrypted end to end (X25519 key exchange, AES-256) - Your chats are stored only on your device, in an encrypted database - No account and no cloud: delete everything from Settings at any time No internet needed - Works on any Wi-Fi network, even one with no internet connection - No mobile data used MADE FOR Offices, classrooms, events, families at home, travel groups, factories and warehouses, and anywhere the internet is slow or unavailable. FREE AND PREMIUM Chatting, voice calls and files up to 25 MB are free. Premium adds files up to 1 GB, video calls and a custom name and status. Be the Hero: while a Premium user is on the Wi-Fi, everyone on that network gets Premium too. Connect to Wi-Fi, choose a name and start chatting. LEGAL Terms of Use: https://binaryscript.com/air-chat/terms/ Privacy Policy: https://binaryscript.com/air-chat/privacy-policy/ Auto-renewable subscriptions are charged to your Apple ID at confirmation of purchase. A subscription renews unless it is cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel it in your App Store account settings. Terms: https://binaryscript.com/air-chat/terms/ Privacy: https://binaryscript.com/air-chat/privacy-policy/

Screenshots

OSC Messaging4 screens
AirChat4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: OSC Messaging at none against AirChat's 2. On price, update cadence, ads 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. AirChat sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. OSC Messaging asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

OSC Messaging ships an update every 6 months, AirChat every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
OSC Messaging versus AirChat: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOSC MessagingAirChat
PriceFreeFree
Rating—1.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 monthsEvery 5 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, MaciPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac
Requires iOS15.615.6
Further details — not scored
Size33 MB56 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJeremy LyonBinaryscript Private Limited

In-app purchases

None

OSC Messaging

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

AirChat

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Premium$0.991 Month
  • Premium Yearly$9.991 Year

Questions

Is OSC Messaging free?
OSC Messaging is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is AirChat free?
AirChat is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do OSC Messaging or AirChat have ads?
Neither OSC Messaging nor AirChat shows ads.
Which is updated more often, OSC Messaging or AirChat?
OSC Messaging ships an update every 6 months, and AirChat every 5 months. Most recently, OSC Messaging was updated on October 29, 2026 and AirChat on October 28, 2026.

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