# AARP Staying Sharp vs Bold

AARP Staying Sharp and Bold both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 96% of Bold's written reviews are positive against 52% of AARP Staying Sharp's. Bold also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (weekly vs every 5 weeks). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AARP Staying Sharp sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $20.00 per year and Bold sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $34.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for AARP Staying Sharp against 4.8 for Bold. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3K and 12K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 52% of AARP Staying Sharp's written reviews are positive against 96% of Bold's.

AARP Staying Sharp ships an update every 5 weeks, Bold weekly. Both last shipped on September 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | AARP Staying Sharp | Bold |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aarp-staying-sharp/id1583055598/reviews) | **[4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bold-science-backed-exercises/id6478184749/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3K | **12K** |
| Positive reviews | 52.4% of reviews | **96.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 76 MB | 99 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [AARP](https://appshunter.io/developer/394286732) | [Age Bold](https://appshunter.io/developer/1732143075) |

## What reviewers say

### AARP Staying Sharp

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aarp-staying-sharp/id1583055598)

This app offers science-based challenges and expert advice to improve brain health, focusing on memory, focus, and digital well-being. It provides interactive tools and exercises to help users build lasting, brain-healthy habits.

**Highlights:** Science-based brain health challenges, Expert advice on memory and focus, Digital decluttering strategies, Interactive tools and exercises, Progress saving across devices, Earn AARP Rewards points

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AARP Membership | $20.00 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful and practical exercises
- 🧠 Effective for improving mental sharpness
- 🎮 Fun and engaging games
- 🔍 Useful for monitoring brain health
- 💡 Recommended by healthcare professionals

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Recurring login issues
- 🚫 Limited game selection
- 🔁 Endless login loops
- 🤯 Confusing user experience
- 🚫 Inaccessible games

**Reported bugs**

- Games not launching properly
- App freezing or crashing
- Inability to access core features

**Requested features**

- Expand game library
- Improve login and navigation experience
- Add more accessibility features
- Provide clearer instructions and guidance


### Bold

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bold-science-backed-exercises/id6478184749)

This app offers science-backed, personalized exercise programs for adults 65+ to improve balance and reduce pain. Access live classes, a vast library of on-demand workouts, and progress tracking to enhance your strength and well-being at home.

**Highlights:** Personalized exercise plans, Daily live classes, 500+ on-demand classes, Progress tracking, Expert-designed programs

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bold Premium | $34.99 | per month |
| Bold Premium | $156.99 | per 6 months |
| Bold Premium | $249.00 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Variety of class options
- 👍 Tailored to user's abilities
- 👍 Engaging instructors
- 👍 Convenient home workouts
- 👍 Helps maintain balance and strength

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App and website glitches
- 🔊 Loud music volume

**Reported bugs**

- Progress not tracked properly
- Casting issues

**Requested features**

- More music options
- Improved app and website stability


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AARP Staying Sharp free?

AARP Staying Sharp is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Bold free?

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

### Which has better reviews, AARP Staying Sharp or Bold?

Bold is rated higher. AARP Staying Sharp averages 4.7 out of 5 from 3K ratings, while Bold averages 4.8 from 12K ratings.

### Do AARP Staying Sharp or Bold have ads?

AARP Staying Sharp shows ads; Bold does not.

### Which is updated more often, AARP Staying Sharp or Bold?

AARP Staying Sharp ships an update every 5 weeks, and Bold weekly. Most recently, AARP Staying Sharp was updated on September 25, 2026 and Bold on September 25, 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.*