AIMS Explorer vs VetChange
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
AIMS Explorer
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This app provides: - evidence-based information and in-the-moment strategies for managing anger - anger logs for tracking episodes of anger and learning your patterns and how to break them This app is being reviewed for safety and feasibility and is designed specifically for those already enrolled in an authorized user experience study. The app REQUIRES a username and password to fully unlock. Please contact the developers if you are interested in learning more about AIMS Explorer: mobilementalhealth@va.gov
VetChange
This app helps individuals concerned about their drinking and its connection to stress. It offers tools to understand drinking patterns, manage stress and urges, and learn about alcohol use and PTSD. Users can track progress and find information on community resources and professional treatment.
- Understand drinking-mood relationships
- Manage stress and drinking urges
- Learn about alcohol use and PTSD
- Track progress
- Access community resources
- Find professional treatment referrals
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VetChange is an app designed for Veterans, Service members, and anybody who is concerned about their drinking and how it relates to stress. This app can be useful for developing healthier drinking behaviors. You can gain insight into how your drinking relates to different moods and situations, use interactive tools to manage your stress and urges to drink, learn about alcohol use and posttraumatic stress, and track your progress. The app also includes information about community resources and referrals to professional treatment.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: VetChange at every 35 months against AIMS Explorer's every 72 months. VetChange also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
AIMS Explorer ships an update every 72 months, VetChange every 35 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | AIMS Explorer | VetChange |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 4.9 (15 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 75.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 15 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 72 months | Every 35 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 78 MB | 208 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research | US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
In-app purchases
AIMS Explorer
No in-app purchases
VetChange
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is AIMS Explorer free?
Is VetChange free?
Do AIMS Explorer or VetChange have ads?
Which is updated more often, AIMS Explorer or VetChange?
Other comparisons
