AIMS Explorer vs AltoThought
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
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.
- Identify and log negative thoughts
- Explore alternative perspectives
- Track emotional evolution
- Enhance cognitive processes
- Develop balanced thought patterns
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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
Verdict
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
Both are free to download. AltoThought sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. AIMS Explorer asks for nothing beyond the download.
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.
| Parameter | AIMS Explorer | AltoThought |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 4.3 (3 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 33.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 3 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 72 months | Every 6 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 78 MB | 15 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research | Frank Solleveld |
In-app purchases
AIMS Explorer
No in-app purchases
AltoThought
- Small Tip$0.99
- Coffee XL$2.99
- Donation$3.99
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- Donation XL$8.99
Questions
Is AIMS Explorer free?
Is AltoThought free?
Do AIMS Explorer or AltoThought have ads?
Which is updated more often, AIMS Explorer or AltoThought?
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