# Koan vs Reflection Cards

The clearest difference is rating: Reflection Cards at 4.8 against Koan's 3.7. Reflection Cards also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and review sentiment (100% vs 84%). Koan's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 5 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Koan sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $49.99 per year and Reflection Cards sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Reflection Cards holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 13 and 12 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 84% of Koan's written reviews are positive against 100% of Reflection Cards's.

Koan ships an update monthly, Reflection Cards every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Koan | Reflection Cards |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/koan-self-discovery-journal/id1595588550/reviews) | **[4.8 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reflection-cards/id1609803044/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **13** | 12 |
| Positive reviews | 84.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 42 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Shenzhen Poplab Technology Co. Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1330153351) | [Mind Vacation Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1453931957) |

## What reviewers say

### Koan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/koan-self-discovery-journal/id1595588550)

This journaling app uses AI-guided prompts to help you explore your emotions, memories, and dreams. It offers a space for self-discovery and personal growth through daily reflections. Write, reflect, and grow to gain new perspectives on your inner world.

**Highlights:** AI-guided reflections, Thought-provoking prompts, Emotional exploration, Memory and dream analysis, Daily self-discovery

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual Membership | $49.99 | per year |
| Lifetime membership | $99.99 | one-time |


### Reflection Cards

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reflection-cards/id1609803044)

Deepen your relationships with friends, family, or partners using guided prompts. Explore self-reflection, spark conversations, cultivate gratitude, and revisit past years with this app's diverse card decks.

**Highlights:** 6 unique card decks, Deepen relationships, Spark conversations, Cultivate gratitude, New Year reflection, Simple, intuitive UI, Dark mode support

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Conversation Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| New Years Reflection Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Gratitude Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Relationship Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| This or That Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock All Cards | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Koan free?

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

### Is Reflection Cards free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Koan or Reflection Cards?

Reflection Cards is rated higher. Koan averages 3.7 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while Reflection Cards averages 4.8 from 12 ratings.

### Do Koan or Reflection Cards have ads?

Neither Koan nor Reflection Cards shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Koan or Reflection Cards?

Koan ships an update monthly, and Reflection Cards every 5 months. Most recently, Koan was updated on October 25, 2026 and Reflection Cards on October 24, 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.*