# MapChat vs Vicinity

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Vicinity at 91% against MapChat's 33%. Vicinity also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 3 weeks) and ratings volume (37 vs 1). MapChat's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Vicinity sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $10.99 per year. MapChat asks for nothing beyond the download.

MapChat holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Vicinity has 37 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 33% of MapChat's written reviews are positive against 91% of Vicinity's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

MapChat ships an update every 3 weeks, Vicinity every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MapChat | Vicinity |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mapchat/id850273258/reviews)** | [4.6 (37 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vicinity-proximity-chat/id1536080128/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **37** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **90.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 11 MB | 84 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Skynet Technology International Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/722031428) | [Esketit LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1536080130) |

## What reviewers say

### MapChat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mapchat/id850273258)

Share your experiences globally on an interactive map. Post messages, voice notes, photos, or videos at your location for others to see and respond to. Features instant translation to connect with users worldwide.

**Highlights:** Interactive map interface, Location-based message markers, Voice and photo sharing, Video sharing, Instant translation, Global user base

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Vicinity

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vicinity-proximity-chat/id1536080128)

Connect instantly with people nearby through live chatrooms and private messaging. This social tool aims to foster real-time connections within communities, encouraging face-to-face interactions. Discover local events, ask for recommendations, or simply chat with those around you.

**Highlights:** Live chatrooms based on location radius, Private messaging, Place-based voice/chat rooms, Voice and video calling (Premium), Dark mode support, Moderated chat for safety

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Subscription Features | $10.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MapChat free?

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

### Is Vicinity free?

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

### Which has better reviews, MapChat or Vicinity?

MapChat is rated higher. MapChat averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Vicinity averages 4.6 from 37 ratings.

### Do MapChat or Vicinity have ads?

Vicinity shows ads; MapChat does not.

### Which is updated more often, MapChat or Vicinity?

MapChat ships an update every 3 weeks, and Vicinity every 4 days. Most recently, MapChat was updated on October 2, 2026 and Vicinity on October 10, 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.*