Ingress vs Pokemon GO
“Which one wastes more of your one finite, irreplaceable life? We ran the numbers. We made the numbers up. The result is somehow still accurate.”
| Feature | Ingress | Pokemon GO |
|---|---|---|
| 🕳️ Hours Wasted / Day | 8.7 hrs More hours = clear winner of nothing. | 5.5 hrs |
| 🔥 Lifetime Damage | 668.5M hrs | 2M hrs |
| Our Rating | 4.3 | 3.8 |
| App Store | 4.5 | |
| Google Play | 4.0 | 3.9 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Downloads | 10M+ | 500M+ More victims downloaded. |
| Size | 397 MB | |
| In-App Purchases 💸 | ||
| Requires Internet | ||
| Age Rating | Everyone | Everyone |
| Developer | Niantic Spatial Inc | Niantic, Inc. |
By our entirely fabricated metrics, Ingress wins the race to the bottom of your free time. Pokemon GO is the “responsible” choice, in the way that a slightly smaller slice of cake is responsible. There are no winners here. Only documented hours.
Pick Your Poison
Choose Ingress if...
Ingress is a compelling game for those who enjoy exploring the real world and engaging in strategic, team-based gameplay. However, potential players should be aware of reported performance issues and the presence of in-app purchases. It's well-suited for those seeking a unique blend of gaming and real-world activity.
Choose Pokemon GO if...
Pokemon GO remains a unique augmented reality experience that successfully gamifies exercise, but it's increasingly difficult to recommend without reservations. Casual players who enjoy walking and collecting will find value despite technical flaws, while competitive players should beware the steep paywalls and lingering bugs that particularly plague Android devices. Rural residents may want to skip this entirely unless they frequently travel to population centers.
Get Ingress
Get Pokemon GO
Every stat above is affectionately invented. The apps are real, the regret is real, the numbers are vibes. “Requires: stable Wi-Fi, poor impulse control, and a willingness to question your life choices at 2 AM.”