# Spectrum SD vs Startel Secure Messaging Plus

The clearest difference is update cadence: Spectrum SD at every 2 months against Startel Secure Messaging Plus's every 4 months. Spectrum SD also leads on iOS requirement (9.0 vs 16.6). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Spectrum SD ships an update every 2 months, Startel Secure Messaging Plus every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and August 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Spectrum SD | Startel Secure Messaging Plus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[1.7 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectrum-sd/id719782523/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **43** | — |
| Positive reviews | **22.2% of reviews** | 15.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 69 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Amtelco](https://appshunter.io/developer/362337074) | [Startel Coporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/479974601) |

## What reviewers say

### Spectrum SD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectrum-sd/id719782523)

This app offers secure messaging and paging for businesses, ensuring HIPAA and HITECH compliance. It allows for encrypted communication of protected health information and provides features like message filtering, custom replies, and adjustable security settings.

**Highlights:** Secure messaging and paging, HIPAA and HITECH compliant, Encrypted data transmission, Configurable passcode protection, Message filtering and history, Pre-set custom replies and notes, Adjustable auto-logoff settings

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Startel Secure Messaging Plus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startel-secure-messaging-plus/id886055370)

This app provides a secure and HIPAA-compliant method for sending and receiving text messages. It features end-to-end encryption, expiring messages, and remote wipe capabilities to protect sensitive information.

**Highlights:** HIPAA and HITECH compliant, End-to-end message encryption, Expiring messages (up to 30 days), Voice and image attachments, Remote wipe capability, Device receipt notifications, Multi-device single login

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Spectrum SD free?

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

### Is Startel Secure Messaging Plus free?

Startel Secure Messaging Plus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Spectrum SD or Startel Secure Messaging Plus have ads?

Neither Spectrum SD nor Startel Secure Messaging Plus shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Spectrum SD or Startel Secure Messaging Plus?

Spectrum SD ships an update every 2 months, and Startel Secure Messaging Plus every 4 months. Most recently, Spectrum SD was updated on September 9, 2026 and Startel Secure Messaging Plus on August 23, 2026.

---

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