# EMAlpha vs ThxBud

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: EMAlpha at none against ThxBud's 3. EMAlpha also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 10 days) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ThxBud sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. EMAlpha asks for nothing beyond the download.

EMAlpha ships an update every 4 days, ThxBud every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | EMAlpha | ThxBud |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 10 days |
| Size | 20 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [EMAlpha](https://appshunter.io/developer/1872784354) | [Refactory Consulting Services Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1876641839) |

## What reviewers say

### EMAlpha

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/emalpha/id6758406532)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### ThxBud

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thxbud/id6759069291)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Annual | $9.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Access | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is EMAlpha free?

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

### Is ThxBud free?

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

### Do EMAlpha or ThxBud have ads?

Neither EMAlpha nor ThxBud shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, EMAlpha or ThxBud?

EMAlpha ships an update every 4 days, and ThxBud every 10 days. Most recently, EMAlpha was updated on October 8, 2026 and ThxBud on October 2, 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.*