Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Paltalk vs BIGO LIVE-Live Stream

Paltalk 4.3★ · Free + IAP 40
Winner BIGO LIVE-Live Stream
BIGO LIVE-Live Stream 4.5★ · Free + IAP 65

BIGO LIVE offers a more active and engaging live streaming experience, despite significant safety concerns, while Paltalk struggles with technical issues and a dated user experience.

BIGO LIVE, with a much larger user base, provides a dynamic live streaming platform for interaction but faces serious accusations of safety issues and scams. Paltalk, an older platform, is plagued by persistent bugs, freezing, and poor management, though some long-term users appreciate its community.

Head to head

Features & Content edge: BIGO LIVE-Live StreamR5R9R27R38
Paltalk Paltalk offers chat rooms and video capabilities, with some users appreciating its long-standing community and fellowships R5R38. However, the mobile app is noted to be less functional than the PC version, lacking features like full chat history and simultaneous room and private chats R27. Users also complain about missing basic features like an iPad version with landscape mode or dark mode R9.
BIGO LIVE-Live Stream BIGO LIVE is a live streaming platform where users can go live, interact with others, and participate in various events . It allows for meeting new people and offers entertainment, though some users find restrictions on content . There are also features for game live streaming, but some users report issues with PC connectivity .
Ease of Use & Performance tieR1R4R6R10
Paltalk Paltalk is consistently criticized for numerous bugs, freezing, crashing, and audio issues R1R6R18. Users report problems with messaging, mic access, video layout, and profile scrolling R10R16R37. The app often forces updates that introduce more problems or remove saved rooms R4R18.
BIGO LIVE-Live Stream BIGO LIVE generally allows users to go live and interact, but some users report issues with logging in, particularly via Twitter . There are also complaints about the app being slow or annoying in specific contexts, like in a car . Some users are banned for seemingly minor reasons, indicating strict or unclear moderation .
Reliability & Stability edge: PaltalkR1R6R16R17
Paltalk Paltalk suffers from significant reliability issues, with frequent freezing, crashing, and disconnections R1R6. Users report problems with logging in, messages not sending, and features like the mic or video layout buttons not working R17R31R37. The app is described as poorly managed and buggy even after updates R16R18.
BIGO LIVE-Live Stream While not as widely reported as Paltalk's issues, BIGO LIVE users do experience some reliability problems such as login difficulties and unexpected bans . The app's performance can also be slow .
Safety & Moderation tieR7R14R40R49
Paltalk Paltalk has severe safety concerns, with reports of it being a 'cesspool for hackers' that permits unwanted attacks on devices and extreme racial hate R7. Users also report encountering 'creeps' and being groomed, with instances of harassment and requests for inappropriate photos R14R40R52. There are complaints about the inability to easily delete accounts, requiring a request and even ID R49.
BIGO LIVE-Live Stream BIGO LIVE faces widespread and serious safety issues, including accusations of supporting pedophilia, virtual prostitution, and mafias R61. Users report being hacked, blackmailed, and encountering scammers and fake profiles R64R81R85. There are numerous complaints about perverts, unsolicited explicit content, and sexual harassment, with specific reports of minors being targeted . Users also report doxxing and harassment, with concerns about a lack of platform action .
Price & Value tieR1R3R13R15
Paltalk Paltalk is free with in-app purchases (IAP), but users complain about ads even with paid memberships like 'green nick' R15. Some features, like seeing who's viewing you, are locked behind expensive 'extreme membership' R3. There are also reports of random charges R13 and high membership costs . Room subscriptions can be very expensive, over $500 for 3 Mics R1.
BIGO LIVE-Live Stream BIGO LIVE is also free with IAP, but many users feel it's a 'money pit' where practically nothing can be done without spending a lot of money . There are accusations of fake reviews and scams related to in-app purchases R81.
Support tieR1R31R37R51
Paltalk Paltalk's customer support is widely criticized for being unresponsive. Users report contacting tech support in JIRA with no response R1, and emails regarding discounts or issues often go unanswered R51. Some users express frustration over not being able to reach anyone for help when facing login problems R31R37.
BIGO LIVE-Live Stream BIGO LIVE users report a lack of response when appealing bans . Concerns raised about user safety and privacy are also met with perceived inaction from the platform .
Pick Paltalk if

You are a long-time user of Paltalk's PC version and are willing to tolerate significant mobile app bugs for the sake of its established community and fellowships R5R38.

Pick BIGO LIVE-Live Stream if

You are looking for a highly active live streaming platform to interact with many people and are willing to navigate significant safety risks and potential scams .

Evidence note: BIGO LIVE has a significantly larger number of reviews, leading to more diverse and detailed feedback, especially regarding safety concerns. Paltalk's reviews are predominantly negative, focusing on technical issues and a dated experience.

Frequently asked

Is Paltalk safe to use?
Paltalk has significant safety concerns, with users reporting it as a "cesspool for hackers" that permits unwanted attacks and extreme racial hate, and instances of grooming and harassment R7R14R40R52.
Does BIGO LIVE have issues with scams or inappropriate content?
Yes, BIGO LIVE has widespread reports of scams, fake profiles, and inappropriate content, including accusations of supporting pedophilia, virtual prostitution, and users being hacked, blackmailed, and receiving unsolicited explicit images R61R64R81R85.
Why are Paltalk users frustrated with the app?
Paltalk users are frustrated by persistent bugs, frequent freezing and crashing, audio issues, unresponsive tech support, and a mobile app that lacks features and functionality compared to its PC version R1R6R16R18.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R5] Paltalk 5/5 · US Renewing daily: I have been having some trouble with this Paltalk, but it’s getting better I have enjoyed Paltalk for many years and they have most wonderful fellowships. I would really like to see it grow and become bigger again it’s under a new ownership now.
  2. [R9] Paltalk 3/5 · US Please make an iPad version: Paltalk works good overall but it would be nice if there was a iPad version that would cover the whole screen and a dark mode Other than that its great. PS. You should take some tips from Camfrog they are pretty much exactly the same
  3. [R27] Paltalk 3/5 · US Nowhere Near as Good as the PC Version: I’ve always been happy with the PC version. For some reason on both iPhone and iPad, the conversation history just disappears. I cannot see my or the person’s chat history. Makes it hard to avoid repeating yourself. Makes it hard to remember what they said. Especially if you have a lot of contacts. Also, on the PC you can chat in a room and still chat with
  4. [R38] Paltalk 5/5 · US Bigjohn: I have been on paltalk since the 1900’s . It’s a fun entertaining , sometimes informative program . It works much better on a computer other then on a phone or tablet. PEACE
  5. [R1] Paltalk 1/5 · US Missing icon of user: Paltalk is old platform and lack of modern technical control. Problem happen very often, it’s alway freezing. And I am unable to see many user in the chat room because the icon of user at upper right corner has been removed. My room subscription is $500+ for 3 Mics, and we setup Auto Reddot, but now I can’t even unreddotted myself in the room even though I am an admin of the
  6. [R4] Paltalk 1/5 · US Newest update: Can’t even slide over to find people or look at profiles The new update blows
  7. [R6] Paltalk 3/5 · US Latest version update is trash: The latest version has way too many bugs. It freezes, crashes, audio keeps reconnecting, among other things. Others are complaining about the same issues I am having. Fix it!
  8. [R10] Paltalk 1/5 · US Fix the room to stop profiles jumping around so when scrolling: Why can you not stop members in room from bouncing around while searching members? It gives me a headache. You cannot be fast enough to click on a profile. One second they are there and then the profile moves to another position on the mobile App!!
  9. [R16] Paltalk 1/5 · US Poorly Managed: Far & away the most poorly managed app I've ever used. There's always something messing up or poorly thought out ( like the Jump To Present button you have to push to see text comments). The Select Video Layout Button doesn't work, constantly opens cameras and constantly changes the layout after you've picked a format. The mic up button don't work either, and freezes the app when y
  10. [R17] Paltalk 5/5 · US Unable to login: I am trying to login but it keep saying too many OTP requests Update: I figured it out
  11. [R7] Paltalk 2/5 · US Paltalk is a Cesspool for Hackers: Most recently, Paltalk has become very unsafe, as it exploits and manipulates the vulnerable (i.e. mentally ill individuals) and, it rewards room owners that maintain high room numbers, by any corrupt means. Most worrisome, Paltalk has become a cesspool for hackers: and, it permits unwanted attacks on smart devices. And, Paltalk permits extreme racial hate agains
  12. [R14] Paltalk 5/5 · US creeps (i had to make it at the top): caught one creep today an he was trying to do well if you know you know
  13. [R40] Paltalk 1/5 · US Pedos: Got groomed on here when I was in 5th grade. joined video chat and tons of old men started messaging me & harassing me for nude photos.
  14. [R49] Paltalk 1/5 · US Deleting my account should not be a request: If I wish to delete my account it is quite unprofessional and absolutely unacceptable that it requires a request to delete my account
  15. [R3] Paltalk 3/5 · US Mostly fun but a few annoying things…: The app is similar to CamFrog some of the same features but a lot of differences, on CamFrog I like that you can see who’s viewing you on a regular account on PalTalk you have to pay for the extreme membership and it’s not cheap! I guess for someone who uses it all the time that’s fine but I’m more of a casual user but seeing “someone else is viewing you” is
  16. [R13] Paltalk 1/5 · US Watch your account: This app randomly charged me $10.77 although I signed up for nothing. They are a scam I’m warning you before you proceed
  17. [R15] Paltalk 3/5 · US Too many Adds!!!: Please stop those adds!!!
  18. [R31] Paltalk 1/5 · US Very frustrating: I was using Paltalk for a long time. But today, I couldn’t open it totally. I tried different devices with no success. There is no one to reach to for help. Very frustrating.
  19. [R37] Paltalk 1/5 · US Not working: Love the app most of the time but last night and today I can’t message anyone on my friends list, and they can’t message me. Will change this review if someone actually responds with help.
  20. [R51] Paltalk 3/5 · GB It’s good but: The app is ok works well has its moment but what pisses me off when you have discounts buying credits for gifts etc you never get them and if you email Paltalk no one responds if they did I’d more than likely rate this 5 stars but for now it’s only getting a 3 from me
  21. [R52] Paltalk 1/5 · US Gross: Full of bots and perverts
  22. [R61] BIGO LIVE-Live Stream 1/5 · US Es muy mala App: Apoyan la pedofilia , la prostitucion virtual, ay muchas mafias de diferentes paises , estafas , muchos perfiles falsos, mucho perfiles de mujeres que usan inteligencia artificial. la verdad siento que no una app segura para usar ay mucha gente sin futuro , locos
  23. [R64] BIGO LIVE-Live Stream 1/5 · US This app is dangerous: I’ve been hacked by Sarah pretty and is blackmailing me and the ads isn’t what it says it was Theres no one who is interested in dating also to add she ask me for $300 so do be careful who you talk to
  24. [R81] BIGO LIVE-Live Stream 3/5 · US Scam scam scam: Bigo bigo more like scammer scamming because you fake your reviews and you scam people
  25. [R85] BIGO LIVE-Live Stream 1/5 · US Bigo is full of people that will hack your account info: This is how u know don’t trust dating apps
  26. [R18] Paltalk 3/5 · US Maintenance: The app is awesome, but all the maintenance they do never seems to fix the bugs and crashes. And they force you to update the app to a newer version or you will not be able to login.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store