# The Self Compassion App vs BetterACT

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: BetterACT at none against The Self Compassion App's 2. BetterACT also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.0). The Self Compassion App's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 6 months). On price, review sentiment and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Self Compassion App sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $56.99 per year. BetterACT asks for nothing beyond the download.

The Self Compassion App ships an update monthly, BetterACT every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Self Compassion App | BetterACT |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (243 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-self-compassion-app/id1553464180/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **243** | — |
| Positive reviews | 94.1% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 476 MB | 208 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PSYT](https://appshunter.io/developer/941205339) | [8D Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/918297368) |

## What reviewers say

### The Self Compassion App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-self-compassion-app/id1553464180)

This app offers scientifically-validated practices from Compassion Focused Therapy to help users feel happier, calmer, and more connected. It provides over 50 tools, including guided meditations, breathing exercises, and journaling prompts, to manage stress, anxiety, and self-criticism.

**Highlights:** Compassion Focused Therapy practices, Guided meditations and mindfulness audio, Breathing tools for present moment awareness, Journaling for positivity habits, Reflective exercises for difficult emotions, Progress tracking surveys, Sleep stories and yoga videos

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Self-Compassion Premium | $56.99 | per year |
| Self-Compassion App Premium | $56.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful self-help app
- 🚀 Great variety of tools and resources
- 💡 Excellent for developing self-compassion
- 🤗 Calming and supportive voices
- 📚 Informative and well-structured content

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription cost
- 🔍 Overwhelming amount of features
- 🔁 Difficulty canceling subscription

**Reported bugs**

- Abrupt ending of audio sessions
- Occasional issues with sound and connectivity

**Requested features**

- Quarterly payment plan option
- Improved synchronization across devices
- Simpler version with fewer features


### BetterACT

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/betteract/id1621277545)

Enhance your psychological flexibility with this app, inspired by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Engage with interactive exercises and educational content to grow your skills in managing thoughts and emotions. Progress through a virtual garden that flourishes as your ACT abilities improve.

**Highlights:** Psychological flexibility training, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles, Interactive exercises, Educational content, Virtual garden progress tracker, Developed with ACT practitioners

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Self Compassion App free?

The Self Compassion App is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is BetterACT free?

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

### Do The Self Compassion App or BetterACT have ads?

The Self Compassion App shows ads; BetterACT does not.

### Which is updated more often, The Self Compassion App or BetterACT?

The Self Compassion App ships an update monthly, and BetterACT every 6 months. Most recently, The Self Compassion App was updated on October 16, 2026 and BetterACT on October 17, 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.*