# PicoTalk Messenger vs HomeChat

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: HomeChat at none against PicoTalk Messenger's 2. PicoTalk Messenger's advantage is iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PicoTalk Messenger sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. HomeChat asks for nothing beyond the download.

PicoTalk Messenger ships an update every 5 days, HomeChat every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PicoTalk Messenger | HomeChat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/homechat/id6761311344/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 41 MB | 83 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Pico Net Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1885268756) | [Hash and Joy, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1864710187) |

## What reviewers say

### PicoTalk Messenger

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/picotalk-messenger/id6760604456)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |


### HomeChat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/homechat/id6761311344)

A secure messenger focused on private one-on-one communication with end-to-end encryption. It requires no personal data for registration and offers features like encrypted calls, media sharing, and customizable themes. Designed for users prioritizing privacy and security over group chats.

**Highlights:** End-to-end encryption, One-on-one communication only, No personal data required, Encrypted calls and media, Customizable themes and stickers, App PIN and panic code

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PicoTalk Messenger free?

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

### Is HomeChat free?

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

### Do PicoTalk Messenger or HomeChat have ads?

Neither PicoTalk Messenger nor HomeChat shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PicoTalk Messenger or HomeChat?

PicoTalk Messenger ships an update every 5 days, and HomeChat every 3 days. Most recently, PicoTalk Messenger was updated on October 31, 2026 and HomeChat on November 5, 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.*