Shortwave Messaging vs Nearby Bluetooth Chat
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Shortwave Messaging
Connect with people nearby through public messages within a 70-foot radius. This social networking app utilizes location services and Bluetooth to facilitate local communication.
- Public messaging
- 70-foot communication radius
- Location-based
- Bluetooth integration
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Public messaging with a 70-foot radius. Shortwave requires Location Services and access to Bluetooth.
Nearby Bluetooth Chat
Communicate securely with nearby devices using Bluetooth, no internet or registration required. Ideal for offline or private conversations within range.
- Offline communication
- Bluetooth connectivity
- No internet required
- Secure messaging
- Instant chat
- No registration
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Nearby is a simple and secure Bluetooth chat app that allows you to communicate with nearby devices without the need for internet, servers, or registration. Just open the app, connect with others within Bluetooth range, and start chatting instantly. Whether you're offline, in a remote area, or simply want a private communication option, Nearby has you covered. Note: The app works only with nearby devices and requires being open to function, as background use is not supported.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Shortwave Messaging at Free against Nearby Bluetooth Chat's $0.99. Shortwave Messaging also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 4 months) and iOS requirement (7.0 vs 15.0). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Shortwave Messaging is free to download; Nearby Bluetooth Chat costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Shortwave Messaging ships an update fortnightly, Nearby Bluetooth Chat every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Shortwave Messaging | Nearby Bluetooth Chat |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $0.99 |
| Rating | 3.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 41.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly — better | Every 4 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free — better | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 7.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 9 MB | 1 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Cornfield Creative, LLC | Marco Tini |
In-app purchases
Shortwave Messaging
No in-app purchases
Nearby Bluetooth Chat
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Shortwave Messaging free?
Is Nearby Bluetooth Chat free?
Do Shortwave Messaging or Nearby Bluetooth Chat have ads?
Which is updated more often, Shortwave Messaging or Nearby Bluetooth Chat?
Other comparisons
