# Nielsen Mobile App vs Pendulum

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Nielsen Mobile App at none against Pendulum's 5. Nielsen Mobile App also leads on ratings volume (539 vs 16) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). Pendulum's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 4 months). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pendulum sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Nielsen Mobile App asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.1 for Nielsen Mobile App against 4.2 for Pendulum. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Nielsen Mobile App has 539 ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 66% and 67% positive.

Nielsen Mobile App ships an update every 4 months, Pendulum every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Nielsen Mobile App | Pendulum |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (539 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nielsen-mobile-app/id913229909/reviews) | **[4.2 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pendulum-pen-pal-tracker/id6444290573/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **539** | 16 |
| Positive reviews | 66.2% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 75 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Nielsen Company](https://appshunter.io/developer/583873246) | [Benjamin Cardy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1588708175) |

## What reviewers say

### Nielsen Mobile App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nielsen-mobile-app/id913229909)

This app allows individuals participating in Nielsen's media research to contribute to understanding internet and mobile device usage. By installing the app, users help measure the digital landscape and can earn rewards for their participation. An invitation and prior registration are required to use its features.

**Highlights:** Media consumption measurement, Digital landscape analysis, Mobile device usage tracking, Earn rewards for participation, Anonymized and aggregated data

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Set and forget
- 💰 Earn rewards for doing nothing
- 🎁 Wide range of rewards
- 📈 Seamless operation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔌 Drains battery
- 🔒 Privacy concerns
- 🐛 Frequent disconnections
- ⚠️ Compatibility issues with certain devices/carriers
- 🤔 Slow points accumulation

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to register/log in
- App causing internet connectivity issues
- Points disappearing without explanation

**Requested features**

- More opportunities to earn points
- Improved customer support
- Streamlined interface
- Ability to track points balance in-app


### Pendulum

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pendulum-pen-pal-tracker/id6444290573)

This app helps you manage your pen pal relationships by tracking correspondence. Record when you send and receive letters, note writing materials, and set reminders to stay in touch. Sync your data across devices for seamless management.

**Highlights:** Track sent and received letters, Record pen, ink, and paper used, Set reminders to write and post, Monitor letter delivery times, iCloud sync across devices

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Extra Fine Tip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Fine Tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Medium Tip | $3.99 | one-time |
| Broad Tip | $5.99 | one-time |
| Stub Tip | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Nielsen Mobile App free?

Nielsen Mobile App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Pendulum free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Nielsen Mobile App or Pendulum?

Pendulum is rated higher. Nielsen Mobile App averages 4.1 out of 5 from 539 ratings, while Pendulum averages 4.2 from 16 ratings.

### Do Nielsen Mobile App or Pendulum have ads?

Neither Nielsen Mobile App nor Pendulum shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Nielsen Mobile App or Pendulum?

Nielsen Mobile App ships an update every 4 months, and Pendulum every 9 days. Most recently, Nielsen Mobile App was updated on September 20, 2026 and Pendulum on September 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.*