# BRB2K vs High Shelf

The clearest difference is ads: BRB2K at none against High Shelf's shown. High Shelf's advantage is update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 2 months) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BRB2K sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days and High Shelf sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

BRB2K ships an update every 2 months, High Shelf every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BRB2K | High Shelf |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brb2k-nostalgic-90s-chat/id6767919803/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 95 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Better Things Better](https://appshunter.io/developer/1854790582) | [ATLE RICHTER SCHIE](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896652180) |

## What reviewers say

### BRB2K

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brb2k-nostalgic-90s-chat/id6767919803)

Experience the classic instant messaging of the late 90s with authentic Windows 98 aesthetics and sound effects. Chat with nostalgic personas, manage your buddy list, and set away messages. This app offers a safe, private, and ad-free way to relive early internet communication.

**Highlights:** Classic buddy list with status, Authentic IM windows, Away messages and user profiles, Windows 98 aesthetics, Iconic 90s sound effects, Pre-programmed 90s personas

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| BRB2K Plus | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Standard | $5.99 | per month |
| BRB2K Plus | $11.99 | per month |
| Standard | $49.99 | per year |
| BRB2K Plus | $99.99 | per year |
| Usage Pack – Small | $4.49 | one-time |
| Usage Pack – Large | $8.49 | one-time |


### High Shelf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/high-shelf/id6769353418)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High Shelf Pro | $2.99 | per month |
| High Shelf Pro - Annual | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BRB2K free?

BRB2K is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is High Shelf free?

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

### Do BRB2K or High Shelf have ads?

High Shelf shows ads; BRB2K does not.

### Which is updated more often, BRB2K or High Shelf?

BRB2K ships an update every 2 months, and High Shelf every 4 weeks. Most recently, BRB2K was updated on October 31, 2026 and High Shelf on October 25, 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.*