NearfolkNearfolk vs Catchup: suggestions or goals?
Catchup lets you set a connection goal for each person, log touchpoints and get gentle reminders, free with 2 contacts. Nearfolk chooses for you, with at most three suggestions a day and a free plan of 10 people. Both aim at warmth, not pressure. Facts checked October 2026.
Coming soon to iPhone
What is the main difference?
Catchup's listing describes a loop: add people, set how often you want to connect, log conversations with a tap, add notes and get reminders when it is time. Nearfolk shares the rhythm idea but decides each morning who is worth a nudge, and adds the words to send.
Catchup facts were checked on October 10, 2026. Nearfolk is not released and has no price or rating yet.
Nearfolk vs Catchup at a glance
| Nearfolk | Catchup | |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Picks at most 3 people a day | You set goals per person and log touchpoints |
| Words to send | Starters for 8 occasions, cards, birthday cards | Not described in its listing |
| Notes | Open notes per person, 5 free | Notes on each interaction |
| Widget | Not stated | Home screen widget with upgrade |
| Free limit | 10 people, 1 circle, 3 replies in the jar | 2 contacts per its listing |
| Account | None; data on the iPhone | Check its App Privacy section |
| Minimum iOS | See App Store when released | 16.0 |
| Price | Not released; optional Plus planned | Free to try; upgrade for unlimited |
| US App Store rating | Not yet rated | 4.3 from 81 ratings (October 2026) |
What does Catchup do better?
Catchup is simple and light, at about 7 MB, and it asks you to log what happened, which builds a record of touchpoints. It has a home screen widget in the upgrade, and a minimum of iOS 16.0.
If you like tracking and setting your own targets, its model is direct.
What does Nearfolk do better?
Nearfolk reduces decisions. Today's three comes from the orbit, birthdays arrive three days before and on the day, and the app helps you start the message. The reply jar keeps track of texts you owe without reading your messages.
The free plan is also roomier: 10 people instead of 2, so you can judge the app on a real circle before paying.
Who should pick which?
- Choose Catchup if you want to set frequency goals and log each touchpoint.
- Choose Nearfolk if you want the app to pick who to message and suggest the words.
- Try Nearfolk's free plan if two contacts is too few to test an app.
Source, checked October 10, 2026: Catchup on the App Store.
Frequently asked questions
Is Catchup free?
Its listing says you can try it free with 2 contacts and upgrade for unlimited friends and family.
How many people can I add to Nearfolk for free?
The free plan keeps 10 people. Plus is optional and makes room for more.
Does Nearfolk set a call frequency per person?
Yes. You choose about weekly, every two weeks, monthly, every three months or twice a year for each person.
Does either app read my messages?
Nearfolk cannot see your messages. For Catchup, read the App Privacy section of its listing.
Do they send a lot of notifications?
Nearfolk sends birthdays plus one gentle nudge a day and nothing else. Catchup sends gentle reminders by your goals.