In the world of social media, Instagram is one of the most popular platforms. However, the official Instagram app has some limitations that have led developers to create modified versions (mod APKs) with additional features. Two of the most prominent Instagram mod APKs are Honista and Instander. While both offer advanced functionalities beyond what the standard app provides, they differ in key areas like privacy, user interface, customization options, and overall stability.
Overview of Honista
Honista is a relatively new Instagram mod that has quickly gained popularity due to its modern interface and extensive features. Built with a focus on customization and user control, Honista allows users to tailor their Instagram experience. It offers theme changes, the ability to hide online status, view deleted messages, and download media directly from posts, stories, and reels. The app also includes features like ad blocking, enhanced privacy settings, and story ghosting—letting you watch stories without being seen.
One of the standout features of Honista is its high level of visual customization. Users can change fonts, colors, and even animations to suit their preferences. It’s designed with Gen Z aesthetics in mind, making it appealing to younger users looking for a more personal touch to their Instagram usage.
Overview of Instander
Instander, developed by Dmitry Gavrilov, has been a staple in the Instagram mod community for several years. Known for its clean interface and emphasis on performance and privacy, Instander provides a more streamlined experience. It enables features like downloading media, disabling ads, improving image/video quality, and hiding read receipts and typing indicators in DMs.
Instander operates under two versions: a “Clone” version that installs alongside the official Instagram app and an “Original” version that replaces it. This flexibility is appreciated by users who wish to test it without uninstalling their original app.
Where Instander excels is in stability and performance. Unlike many newer mods, Instander is frequently updated to match the official Instagram app’s architecture, reducing the chances of crashes or bugs. It also includes a “Ghost Mode” for anonymous viewing and enhanced privacy settings.
Key Differences
| Feature | Honista | Instander |
|---|---|---|
| User Interface | Highly customizable (themes, fonts, colors) | Clean and minimal, similar to official Instagram |
| Media Downloading | Yes (posts, reels, stories, IGTV, batch downloads) | Yes (posts, reels, stories, IGTV) |
| Story Ghost Mode | Yes (watch stories without being seen) | Yes |
| Read Receipts Control | Yes (hide seen and typing in DMs) | Yes |
| Ad Blocking | Built-in ad blocker | Built-in ad blocker |
| Customization Options | Advanced (colors, animations, layout) | Limited |
| Performance & Stability | Moderate (less stable, newer app) | High (well-optimized and mature) |
| Privacy Settings | Strong (multiple privacy toggles) | Strong (ghost mode, detailed toggles) |
| App Updates | Less frequent, but improving | Regular and well-supported |
| Developer Support | Growing, but limited transparency | Active community and developer (Dmitry Gavrilov) |
| Clone Mode (install alongside official app) | No | Yes |
| Original Mode (replaces official app) | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-Ban Features | Basic protection, not guaranteed | More tested, but still not risk-free |
| Image/Video Quality Enhancer | Limited support | Yes (upload and view in better quality) |
| Multi-Account Support | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Themes Store | Yes | No |
Conclusion
Choosing between Honista and Instander depends on your priorities. If you want a highly customizable, visually rich Instagram mod, Honista might be your pick. But if you value reliability, performance, and clean design, Instander is the better choice. Both apps push Instagram’s limits, offering power-user features that the official app lacks—just keep in mind that using modded APKs comes with certain risks, including potential account bans or security concerns. Always download from trusted sources and proceed with caution.