# AA 12 Step Toolkit vs OpenRecovery

The clearest difference is monetization model: OpenRecovery at free with in-app purchases against AA 12 Step Toolkit's subscription. OpenRecovery also leads on review sentiment (89% vs 63%) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). AA 12 Step Toolkit's advantage is ratings volume (3.6K vs 292) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AA 12 Step Toolkit sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per 7 days and OpenRecovery sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for AA 12 Step Toolkit against 4.9 for OpenRecovery. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AA 12 Step Toolkit has 3.6K ratings behind it against 292, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 63% of AA 12 Step Toolkit's written reviews are positive against 89% of OpenRecovery's.

AA 12 Step Toolkit ships an update every 2 months, OpenRecovery every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AA 12 Step Toolkit | OpenRecovery |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (3.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aa-12-step-toolkit/id1452072215/reviews) | **[4.9 (292 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openrecovery/id6446251140/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3.6K** | 292 |
| Positive reviews | 63.2% of reviews | **88.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 49 MB | 110 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Tushar Bhagat](https://appshunter.io/developer/901932809) | [Huxley Technologies, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676934340) |

## What reviewers say

### AA 12 Step Toolkit

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aa-12-step-toolkit/id1452072215)

This app provides a comprehensive set of tools for individuals in recovery, offering guidance, inventories, readings, and practical utilities based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. It includes features for sponsorship, step work, sobriety tracking, and personal reflections, all within a secure and easy-to-use interface.

**Highlights:** In-app sponsorship with messaging, Full Big Book text and step guides, Sobriety time calculator and statistics, Moral inventory and daily practice tools, Readings and prayers, Gratitude lists and personal notes, PIN, Face ID, and Touch ID security

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $1.49 | per 7 days |
| Quarterly | $9.99 | per 3 months |
| Quarterly Subscription | $15.99 | per 3 months |
| Annual | $19.99 | per year |
| Annual Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| Annual Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| 3 Months Sponsee Upgrade | $9.99 | one-time |
| 3 Months Unlock For 1 Sponsee | $15.99 | one-time |
| 1 Year Sponsee Upgrade | $19.99 | one-time |
| 1 Year Unlock For 1 Sponsee | $39.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Access | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Helpful for recovery
- 👍 Great reference tool
- 🚀 Integral part of recovery
- 👍 Useful for journaling and working steps

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Technical issues (app crashes/closes)
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔍 Too many ads/intrusive ads
- 🐛 App not working/crashing

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when trying to add sobriety date
- Hourly reminders not working properly
- Login/sync issues

**Requested features**

- Ability to change time zone
- Improve sharing/connectivity features
- Reduce ads/make free version more usable


### 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 Step Toolkit free?

AA 12 Step Toolkit is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is OpenRecovery free?

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

### Which has better reviews, AA 12 Step Toolkit or OpenRecovery?

OpenRecovery is rated higher. AA 12 Step Toolkit averages 4.8 out of 5 from 3.6K ratings, while OpenRecovery averages 4.9 from 292 ratings.

### Do AA 12 Step Toolkit or OpenRecovery have ads?

Neither AA 12 Step Toolkit nor OpenRecovery shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AA 12 Step Toolkit or OpenRecovery?

AA 12 Step Toolkit ships an update every 2 months, and OpenRecovery every 2 weeks. Most recently, AA 12 Step Toolkit was updated on October 29, 2026 and OpenRecovery on October 27, 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.*