# AA Steps 8/9 vs OpenRecovery

The clearest difference is price: OpenRecovery at Free against AA Steps 8/9's $2.99. OpenRecovery also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (292 vs 9). AA Steps 8/9's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 weeks). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

OpenRecovery is free to download; AA Steps 8/9 costs $2.99 up front. OpenRecovery sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per month. AA Steps 8/9 asks for nothing beyond the download.

OpenRecovery holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: OpenRecovery has 292 ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 100% of AA Steps 8/9's written reviews are positive against 89% of OpenRecovery's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

AA Steps 8/9 ships an update every 4 days, OpenRecovery every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AA Steps 8/9 | OpenRecovery |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.3 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aa-steps-89/id1455711763/reviews) | **[4.9 (292 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openrecovery/id6446251140/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 9 | **292** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 88.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#82** | — |
| Size | 25 MB | 110 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [12 Step Apps LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/947529610) | [Huxley Technologies, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676934340) |

## What reviewers say

### AA Steps 8/9

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aa-steps-89/id1455711763)

**Currently charting:** #82 Top Paid · Lifestyle (US App Store)

This app helps users manage their 8th and 9th Step lists for Alcoholics Anonymous. It offers secure storage, relevant AA literature, and tools to track amends and progress.

**Highlights:** Secure Touch ID/Pass-code protection, Integrated AA literature resources, Tools for 8th Step harms and amends timing, 9th Step amends review and status tracking, Progress visualization meter, Exportable PDF lists, Shareable app link

**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 Steps 8/9 free?

AA Steps 8/9 costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is OpenRecovery free?

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

### Which has better reviews, AA Steps 8/9 or OpenRecovery?

OpenRecovery is rated higher. AA Steps 8/9 averages 4.3 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while OpenRecovery averages 4.9 from 292 ratings.

### Do AA Steps 8/9 or OpenRecovery have ads?

Neither AA Steps 8/9 nor OpenRecovery shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AA Steps 8/9 or OpenRecovery?

AA Steps 8/9 ships an update every 4 days, and OpenRecovery every 2 weeks. Most recently, AA Steps 8/9 was updated on October 26, 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.*