# AA 12 Steps Guide vs OpenRecovery

The clearest difference is review sentiment: OpenRecovery at 89% against AA 12 Steps Guide's 40%. OpenRecovery also leads on price (Free vs $0.99) and rating (4.9 vs 3.4). AA 12 Steps Guide's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.0). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

OpenRecovery is free to download; AA 12 Steps Guide costs $0.99 up front. OpenRecovery sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per month. AA 12 Steps Guide asks for nothing beyond the download.

OpenRecovery holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: OpenRecovery has 292 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 40% of AA 12 Steps Guide's written reviews are positive against 89% of OpenRecovery's.

AA 12 Steps Guide ships an update every 4 months, OpenRecovery every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AA 12 Steps Guide | OpenRecovery |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.4 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aa-12-steps-guide/id1166565002/reviews) | **[4.9 (292 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openrecovery/id6446251140/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **292** |
| Positive reviews | 40.0% of reviews | **88.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 8 MB | 110 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [MTPHoldings LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1130992137) | [Huxley Technologies, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676934340) |

## What reviewers say

### AA 12 Steps Guide

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aa-12-steps-guide/id1166565002)

This app offers a concise interpretation of the 12 steps for sober living, compiled by early members of the organization. It provides guidance through the 12-step program and helps users find nearby meetings.

**Highlights:** 12 Step Guide interpretation, Sober living rules, Search for meetings, Concise explanations

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### OpenRecovery

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openrecovery/id6446251140)

This app provides AI-powered support for various recovery paths, including 12 Steps, SMART Recovery, and CBT. It offers personalized guidance, interactive journals, and a resource library to aid individuals and their allies in their recovery journey.

**Highlights:** AI Recovery Assistant (Kai), Voice chat support, 12 Steps, SMART Recovery, CBT tools, Self-discovery journals, Resource library, Progress tracking, Calendar view

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium Access | $9.99 | per month |

**What reviewers like**

- 🤖 AI-powered Kai assistant provides personalized insights and support
- 💪 Highly effective for recovery accountability and habit building
- 🆓 Completely free with no in-app purchases or ads
- 🎯 Comprehensive 12-step program support with detailed step work
- 🌍 Inclusive of multiple recovery approaches (12-step, SMART Recovery, CBT, MAT)

**What reviewers complain about**

- ⚠️ AI occasionally becomes mean or cruel in responses
- 🚫 Heavily focused on 12-step approach, less inclusive of non-religious paths
- 🐛 App freezes preventing forward progress in conversations
- ❌ Limited support for atheists and non-theists
- 🎭 Potential liability concerns with vulnerable user population

**Reported bugs**

- Service tab inaccessible due to persistent feedback popup
- App freezes preventing users from moving forward in conversations
- Feedback survey popup cannot be dismissed

**Requested features**

- Dark mode or night mode option
- Restore previous app icon with stairway design
- Tip jar or donation feature to support developers
- Expanded non-secular and scientifically-based program integration


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AA 12 Steps Guide free?

AA 12 Steps Guide costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is OpenRecovery free?

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

### Which has better reviews, AA 12 Steps Guide or OpenRecovery?

OpenRecovery is rated higher. AA 12 Steps Guide averages 3.4 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while OpenRecovery averages 4.9 from 292 ratings.

### Do AA 12 Steps Guide or OpenRecovery have ads?

Neither AA 12 Steps Guide nor OpenRecovery shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AA 12 Steps Guide or OpenRecovery?

AA 12 Steps Guide ships an update every 4 months, and OpenRecovery every 2 weeks. Most recently, AA 12 Steps Guide was updated on October 12, 2026 and OpenRecovery on October 14, 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.*