# Startel Secure Messaging Plus vs Cognisent 2.0

The clearest difference is update cadence: Cognisent 2.0 at every 3 weeks against Startel Secure Messaging Plus's every 4 months. 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.

Startel Secure Messaging Plus ships an update every 4 months, Cognisent 2.0 every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 23, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Startel Secure Messaging Plus | Cognisent 2.0 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.2 (404 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cognisent-20/id1583846615/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **404** |
| Positive reviews | **15.6% of reviews** | 9.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 20 MB | 72 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Startel Coporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/479974601) | [VA TAS LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1438025678) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Cognisent 2.0

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cognisent-20/id1583846615)

Securely communicate with your team through encrypted chat and manage follow-up tasks with customizable alerts and reminders. Log calls, mask your number, and access all message data via a secure web portal.

**Highlights:** Customizable alert modes, Protocol-based escalation, Secure team chat, Task reminders, Message forwarding, Masked number calling, Biometric authentication

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💫 Helpful onboarding and account management
- 👍 Easy to understand app
- 🚀 Immediate notifications for escalations

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable notifications and message delivery
- 🔑 Frequent log-outs and password resets
- 🔍 Missing key features like transcripts and call playback
- 🕰️ Delayed call-backs due to incomplete information
- 🤔 Visually unappealing and unorganized interface

**Reported bugs**

- Notifications not working on latest iOS versions
- Messages disappearing or not showing up correctly
- Randomly logging out users during critical on-call periods

**Requested features**

- Persistent filters and user-defined preferences
- Ability to call back directly from the app
- Biometric login and seamless authentication


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Startel Secure Messaging Plus free?

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

### Is Cognisent 2.0 free?

Cognisent 2.0 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Startel Secure Messaging Plus or Cognisent 2.0 have ads?

Neither Startel Secure Messaging Plus nor Cognisent 2.0 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Startel Secure Messaging Plus or Cognisent 2.0?

Startel Secure Messaging Plus ships an update every 4 months, and Cognisent 2.0 every 3 weeks. Most recently, Startel Secure Messaging Plus was updated on August 23, 2026 and Cognisent 2.0 on September 24, 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.*