# HomeExchange vs Elya

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: HomeExchange at none against Elya's 12. HomeExchange also leads on ratings volume (3.5K vs 1) and update cadence (weekly vs every 2 weeks). Elya's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, rating, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Elya sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. HomeExchange asks for nothing beyond the download.

Elya holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HomeExchange has 3.5K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

HomeExchange ships an update weekly, Elya every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HomeExchange | Elya |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (3.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/homeexchange-house-swapping/id966112496/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elya/id6642709950/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3.5K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 73.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 117 MB | 81 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [GuestToGuest](https://appshunter.io/developer/966112495) | [Hadoken](https://appshunter.io/developer/1564986727) |

## What reviewers say

### HomeExchange

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/homeexchange-house-swapping/id966112496)

Discover a global network for vacation home exchanges. Find economical and comfortable accommodations worldwide using an innovative points system and secure guarantees. Connect with members, manage your listings, and plan your travels with ease.

**Highlights:** Search available homes, Live chat with members, Add home images, GuestPoints system, Integrated messaging, Favorite listings

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Great way to travel and live like a local
- 👍 Easy to use app and platform
- 🤝 Wonderful community and trust-based exchanges
- 💰 Cost-effective way to travel
- 🌍 Lots of locations and homes to choose from

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy app with frequent crashes and glitches
- 🔍 Difficult to search and find available homes
- 💬 Poor communication and customer support
- 🗓️ Calendars and availability not always up-to-date
- 🤷‍♀️ Guest points system not well-received

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes and crashes frequently
- Incorrect home location information
- Inability to update profile details
- Notifications and messaging issues
- Syncing problems between app and website

**Requested features**

- Improved search and filtering options
- Better organization of messages and exchanges
- Ability to translate home descriptions
- Calendar sync and availability management tools
- Enhanced mobile app experience, including iPad support


### Elya

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elya/id6642709950)

Explore cities independently with this app, featuring self-guided tours, GPS navigation, and interactive scavenger hunts. Immerse yourself in local history with audio commentary, photos, and videos at each step.

**Highlights:** Self-guided city tours, Interactive scavenger hunts, GPS navigation, Multimedia audio, photo, video content, Local guide-curated routes, Intuitive interface

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Jeu de piste | $4.00 | one-time |
| Visite | $9.00 | one-time |
| Visite | $10.00 | one-time |
| Jeu de piste | $17.00 | one-time |
| Bundle visites | $39.00 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HomeExchange free?

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

### Is Elya free?

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

### Which has better reviews, HomeExchange or Elya?

Elya is rated higher. HomeExchange averages 4.8 out of 5 from 3.5K ratings, while Elya averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do HomeExchange or Elya have ads?

HomeExchange shows ads; Elya does not.

### Which is updated more often, HomeExchange or Elya?

HomeExchange ships an update weekly, and Elya every 2 weeks. Most recently, HomeExchange was updated on October 21, 2026 and Elya on October 9, 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.*