# Message Archive vs Cairn

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Message Archive at none against Cairn's 1. Message Archive also leads on iOS requirement (18.5 vs 26.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cairn sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Message Archive asks for nothing beyond the download.

## The numbers

| Metric | Message Archive | Cairn |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Size | 1 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.5** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Daniel Kennedy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1762219307) | [Andrii Bashta](https://appshunter.io/developer/1547467775) |

## What reviewers say

### Message Archive

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/message-archive/id6756037362)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Cairn

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cairn-text-message-export/id6788027982)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Threadkeeper Lifetime | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Message Archive free?

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

### Is Cairn free?

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

### Do Message Archive or Cairn have ads?

Neither Message Archive nor Cairn shows ads.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*