# Self vs Empathy Set

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Self at none against Empathy Set's 7. Self also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7). Empathy Set's advantage is ratings volume (9 vs 2). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Empathy Set sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Self asks for nothing beyond the download.

Self holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 9 respectively.

Self ships an update every 6 weeks, Empathy Set every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and August 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Self | Empathy Set |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self-e/id1527728955/reviews)** | [4.7 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/empathy-set-feelings-and-needs/id1570154720/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **9** |
| Positive reviews | — | 85.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 19 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.5** | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Brown University Computing & Information Services](https://appshunter.io/developer/816491717) | [John Ford](https://appshunter.io/developer/1570154722) |

## What reviewers say

### Self

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self-e/id1527728955)

This app helps you conduct self-experiments to understand the impact of behavioral changes on your health, wellness, and productivity. It provides tools to set up trials, track outcomes, and gain personalized insights through automated analysis and daily reminders.

**Highlights:** Conduct self-experiments, Track behavioral outcomes, Gain personalized insights, Automated statistical analysis, Daily check-in reminders, Data-driven self-improvement

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Empathy Set

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/empathy-set-feelings-and-needs/id1570154720)

This app helps you understand and express your emotions and needs, fostering deeper connections with yourself and others. It offers tools for self-reflection, empathic communication, and collaborative problem-solving, based on Nonviolent Communication principles.

**Highlights:** Understand your feelings and needs, Develop empathy for others, Engage in constructive conversations, Craft I-Statements, Brainstorm mutually beneficial solutions, Utilize structured feedback tools, Interactive journaling

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly subscription | $0.99 | per month |
| 500 Points | $4.99 | one-time |
| 1500 Points | $9.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime usage | $18.99 | one-time |
| 4000 Points | $19.99 | one-time |
| 7500 points | $29.99 | one-time |
| 30000 points | $79.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Self free?

Self is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Empathy Set free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Self or Empathy Set?

Self is rated higher. Self averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Empathy Set averages 4.7 from 9 ratings.

### Do Self or Empathy Set have ads?

Neither Self nor Empathy Set shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Self or Empathy Set?

Self ships an update every 6 weeks, and Empathy Set every 2 months. Most recently, Self was updated on September 24, 2026 and Empathy Set on August 5, 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.*