# Beam vs 9PM

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Beam at none against 9PM's 6. Beam also leads on ratings volume (189 vs 1). 9PM's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. 9PM sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Beam asks for nothing beyond the download.

9PM holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Beam has 189 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 87% of Beam's written reviews are positive against 100% of 9PM's.

Beam ships an update every 4 days, 9PM every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 18, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Beam | 9PM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (189 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beam-unlock-your-camera-roll/id6760328464/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/9pm-visual-diary/id6798402761/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **189** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 86.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 5 days |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 393 MB | 110 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Breezi Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1769955769) | [9PM Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/6798402763) |

## What reviewers say

### Beam

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beam-unlock-your-camera-roll/id6760328464)

This app helps you discover and document moments from your camera roll. It allows you to add captions to photos, build a customizable profile, and share your life's story.

**Highlights:** Camera roll inspiration engine, Photo discovery and collection, Individual photo captions, Customizable user profile, Shareable Beam link

**In-app purchases:** none


### 9PM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/9pm-visual-diary/id6798402761)

This app allows users to share daily photo and video dumps with trusted friends and family. Posts are automatically published at 9 PM, revealing everyone's day. It offers a private space for creative expression without pressure from strangers.

**Highlights:** Daily photo and video posting, Automatic 9 PM posting, Private social network, Trusted contact sharing, Visual life diary, React, reply, and share

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 9PM Membership Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| 9PM Membership Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Claim a Username | $4.99 | one-time |
| Claim a 3-Letter Username | $49.99 | one-time |
| Claim a 2-Letter Username | $499.99 | one-time |
| Claim a 1-Letter Username | $999.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Beam free?

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

### Is 9PM free?

9PM is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Beam or 9PM?

9PM is rated higher. Beam averages 4.8 out of 5 from 189 ratings, while 9PM averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Beam or 9PM have ads?

Beam shows ads; 9PM does not.

### Which is updated more often, Beam or 9PM?

Beam ships an update every 4 days, and 9PM every 5 days. Most recently, Beam was updated on October 18, 2026 and 9PM on October 18, 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.*