# Empathy Set vs Shadow Work Journal

The clearest difference is price: Empathy Set at Free against Shadow Work Journal's $2.99. Empathy Set also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.0). Shadow Work Journal's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Empathy Set is free to download; Shadow Work Journal costs $2.99 up front. Empathy Set sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Shadow Work Journal asks for nothing beyond the download.

Empathy Set ships an update every 2 months, Shadow Work Journal every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Empathy Set | Shadow Work Journal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $2.99 |
| Rating | **[4.7 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/empathy-set-feelings-and-needs/id1570154720/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **9** | — |
| Positive reviews | 85.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 54 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [John Ford](https://appshunter.io/developer/1570154722) | [Lean Orbit LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1742356045) |

## What reviewers say

### Empathy Set

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/empathy-set-feelings-and-needs/id1570154720)

This app helps you understand and express your emotions and needs, fostering deeper connections with yourself and others. It offers tools for self-reflection, empathic communication, and collaborative problem-solving, based on Nonviolent Communication principles.

**Highlights:** Understand your feelings and needs, Develop empathy for others, Engage in constructive conversations, Craft I-Statements, Brainstorm mutually beneficial solutions, Utilize structured feedback tools, Interactive journaling

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly subscription | $0.99 | per month |
| 500 Points | $4.99 | one-time |
| 1500 Points | $9.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime usage | $18.99 | one-time |
| 4000 Points | $19.99 | one-time |
| 7500 points | $29.99 | one-time |
| 30000 points | $79.99 | one-time |


### Shadow Work Journal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-work-journal-ember/id6762090343)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Empathy Set free?

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

### Is Shadow Work Journal free?

Shadow Work Journal costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Empathy Set or Shadow Work Journal have ads?

Neither Empathy Set nor Shadow Work Journal shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Empathy Set or Shadow Work Journal?

Empathy Set ships an update every 2 months, and Shadow Work Journal every 5 weeks. Most recently, Empathy Set was updated on October 20, 2026 and Shadow Work Journal on October 2, 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.*