Comparison

SafeWatch vs Bud

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SafeWatch

Features
Read full description

Safe Watch is an innovative, accessible and practical App designed to assist anyone wanting to improve and maintain their mental health (MH). By fostering a sense of community and connection, Safe Watch aims to make a positive impact on mental health as a wellness companion by enhancing the human component of care. Safe Watch has been developed for three types of users. The user/patient who wants to improve or maintain their mental health with the Self-Care Module or those seeing a Mental Health Professional. The professional who connects and support the patient by providing them the Care Plan via Safe Watch and the Buddy, who are all the people that the user/patient trust with their journey to recover. The health professionals and or buddies support the user/patient to stay buoyant and increase engagement through progress monitoring and tailored content. Safe Watch bridges the gap between professionals and consumers outside the clinical environment as well as supporting those without professional connections to build self-awareness and track their wellbeing. Safe Watch takes a high-tech approach to data security, privacy and confidentiality using Blockchain Expertise. Safe Watch puts the privacy of the data into the hands of the user/patient. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Bud

Features
Read full description

Take care of your wellbeing with Bud - a free app made for international students.Please note: Bud is currently being trialled as part of a research study. Access is limited to international students who are registered participants in the study.Bud can help you manage stress and tough times. It was made with international students, so it understands what you're going through. Whether you’re feeling homesick, anxious, or just need help, Bud is here for you.Key features include:· Mood check-ins - notice and understand how you’re feeling each day· Simple tools - learn ways to calm down, feel better, and handle tough times using evidence-based tools· Personalised help - Bud shows you which tools might help, based on how you feel· Learn how to help a friend - take a short course on how to support someone who is feeling suicidal· Hear real student stories - about how they got help and felt better - because you are not aloneBud is safe, private, and completely free. Even if you only have a few minutes, Bud has something that can helpMedical Disclaimer: This app is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions or if you have any questions about a medical condition.

Screenshots

SafeWatch4 screens
Bud4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Bud at none against SafeWatch's 1. Bud also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. SafeWatch sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $15.00 per month. Bud asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SafeWatch ships an update every 2 months, Bud every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 13, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 4 level
SafeWatch versus Bud: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSafeWatchBud
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 5 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS15.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size480 MB46 MB
Age rating12+17+
DeveloperSafe Watch Care Pty LtdJamani Services PTY LTD

In-app purchases

1 purchases

SafeWatch

Subscriptions1
  • Health Practioner Subscription$15.001 Month
None

Bud

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SafeWatch free?
SafeWatch is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Bud free?
Bud is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do SafeWatch or Bud have ads?
Neither SafeWatch nor Bud shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SafeWatch or Bud?
SafeWatch ships an update every 2 months, and Bud every 5 weeks. Most recently, SafeWatch was updated on September 13, 2026 and Bud on September 23, 2026.

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