# Balm vs Rise

The clearest difference is update cadence: Rise at monthly against Balm's every 16 months. Rise also leads on ratings volume (30 vs 2). Balm's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8) and iOS requirement (14.0.0 vs 16.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Balm sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month and Rise sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Balm holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Rise has 30 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Balm ships an update every 16 months, Rise monthly. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Balm | Rise |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/balm/id1533053640/reviews)** | [4.8 (30 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rise-simple-meditation-timer/id1635841355/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **30** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 16 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Freemium |
| Size | 67 MB | 123 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Patrick Graham](https://appshunter.io/developer/1533053642) | [Yauheni Barkouski](https://appshunter.io/developer/1635841358) |

## What reviewers say

### Balm

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/balm/id1533053640)

This app offers Christian-based guided meditations and bedtime stories to reduce stress and improve sleep. Daily meditations are available in various lengths, covering topics from anxiety to finances. A subscription unlocks extensive content, including longer stories and in-depth programs.

**Highlights:** Guided meditations, Bedtime stories based on the Bible, Daily meditations, Anxiety and stress management topics, Sleep and insomnia support, Addiction recovery and forgiveness content, Premium music and nature sounds

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Balm Monthly Subscription | $12.99 | per month |
| Balm Yearly Subscription | $69.99 | per year |


### Rise

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rise-simple-meditation-timer/id1635841355)

This app provides a simple meditation timer and tracker for iPhone and Apple Watch. It uses heart rate data to offer insights into your mind and body's calm during sessions. Track your progress with detailed statistics and access guided courses.

**Highlights:** Simple meditation timer, Apple Watch heart rate tracking, Mind and body insights, Meditation progress tracker, Guided video courses, Widgets and Siri integration

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Rise Monthly Premium | $1.99 | per month |
| Rise Monthly Premium | $4.99 | per month |
| Rise Monthly Premium | $8.99 | per month |
| Rise Annual Premium | $12.99 | per year |
| Rise Annual Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Rise Annual Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Rise Annual Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Rise Annual Premium | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Balm free?

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

### Is Rise free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Balm or Rise?

Balm is rated higher. Balm averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Rise averages 4.8 from 30 ratings.

### Do Balm or Rise have ads?

Neither Balm nor Rise shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Balm or Rise?

Balm ships an update every 16 months, and Rise monthly. Most recently, Balm was updated on November 3, 2026 and Rise on November 3, 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.*