# Crypto String vs LocalAI

The clearest difference is price: LocalAI at Free against Crypto String's $0.99. LocalAI also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 4 months). Crypto String's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

LocalAI is free to download; Crypto String costs $0.99 up front. LocalAI sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per month. Crypto String asks for nothing beyond the download.

Crypto String ships an update every 4 months, LocalAI fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Crypto String | LocalAI |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Size | 0 MB | 2.6 GB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Xu Wang](https://appshunter.io/developer/1216698112) | [Weigan Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896482773) |

## What reviewers say

### Crypto String

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crypto-string-aes-encrypt/id6754283595)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### LocalAI

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/localai/id6774885847)

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Upgrade to Monthly VIP | $2.49 | per month |
| Upgrade to Yearly VIP | $12.99 | per year |
| Upgrade to Lifetime VIP | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Crypto String free?

Crypto String costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is LocalAI free?

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

### Do Crypto String or LocalAI have ads?

Neither Crypto String nor LocalAI shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Crypto String or LocalAI?

Crypto String ships an update every 4 months, and LocalAI fortnightly. Most recently, Crypto String was updated on September 19, 2026 and LocalAI on September 14, 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.*