Comparison

AIMS Explorer vs AltoThought

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

AIMS Explorer

Features
Read full description

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

About

AltoThought

This app helps you reframe negative thoughts and develop a healthier mindset. It guides you through identifying thoughts, exploring alternative perspectives, and tracking your emotional progress. It's a tool to enhance your cognitive processes and achieve a more balanced outlook.

Highlights
  • Identify and log negative thoughts
  • Explore alternative perspectives
  • Track emotional evolution
  • Enhance cognitive processes
  • Develop balanced thought patterns
Features
Read full description

AltoThought is designed to guide you through reframing negative thoughts, enhancing your cognitive process. Originally created to support my own cognitive behavioral therapy journey, it is now available to assist you in reshaping your mindset. Here's how AltoThought works: Begin by jotting down your initial thought, whatever it may be, and note your current feelings. Next, visit the Alternative tab to explore a new perspective on that thought. This helps you add nuance and reshape any cognitive patterns that may be holding you back. Analyze your progress with insightful statistics that reveal how your feelings evolve through the practice of alternative thinking. Let AltoThought be your companion in developing a healthier and more balanced thought process.

Screenshots

AIMS Explorer4 screens
AltoThought4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: AIMS Explorer at none against AltoThought's 4. AltoThought's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 72 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. AltoThought sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. AIMS Explorer asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AIMS Explorer ships an update every 72 months, AltoThought every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
AIMS Explorer versus AltoThought: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAIMS ExplorerAltoThought
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.3 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—33.3% of reviews
Number of ratings—3 — better
Update frequencyEvery 72 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size78 MB15 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperPalo Alto Veterans Institute for ResearchFrank Solleveld

In-app purchases

None

AIMS Explorer

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

AltoThought

One-time4
  • Small Tip$0.99
  • Coffee XL$2.99
  • Donation$3.99
Show 1 more
  • Donation XL$8.99

Questions

Is AIMS Explorer free?
AIMS Explorer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is AltoThought free?
AltoThought is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do AIMS Explorer or AltoThought have ads?
Neither AIMS Explorer nor AltoThought shows ads.
Which is updated more often, AIMS Explorer or AltoThought?
AIMS Explorer ships an update every 72 months, and AltoThought every 6 weeks. Most recently, AIMS Explorer was updated on October 25, 2026 and AltoThought on October 27, 2026.

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