# Self vs Kensho

The clearest difference is monetization model: Self at free with in-app purchases against Kensho's subscription. Kensho's advantage is review sentiment (90% vs 67%). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Self sells 22 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and Kensho sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 13, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Self | Kensho |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kensho/id6444700768/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **5** |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | **90.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 50 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kazakov O. A., IP](https://appshunter.io/developer/1623674882) | [Viktoria Degtyareva](https://appshunter.io/developer/1656229589) |

## What reviewers say

### Self

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self-coding/id1658814924)

This app uses neuro-guided meditations to help you manage emotions, reduce stress, and improve focus. It offers tools for both immediate relief and long-term personal development, aiming to enhance overall life quality.

**Highlights:** Neuro-guided meditations, Emotional state management, Stress reduction, Improved focus and concentration, Personal development tools, Life quality enhancement

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (22)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Self-coding премиум | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Self-coding премиум | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| 1-Month, 3 Days Free Trial | $5.99 | per month |
| 1-Month Plan | $5.99 | per month |
| 1-Month Plan | $6.99 | per month |
| 1-Month, 3 Days Free Trial | $7.99 | per month |
| 6-Month Plan | $20.99 | per 6 months |
| 6-Month, 3 Days Free Trial | $20.99 | per 6 months |
| 6-Month Plan | $24.99 | per 6 months |
| 6-Month, 3 Days Free Trial | $24.99 | per 6 months |
| 1-Year Plan, 7 Days Free Trial | $29.99 | per year |
| 1-Year Plan | $29.99 | per year |
| Self-Сoding Premium | $34.99 | per year |
| 1-Year Plan, 7 Days Free Trial | $34.99 | per year |
| 1-Year Plan | $34.99 | per year |
| 6-Month, 3 Days Free Trial | $45.99 | per 6 months |
| 6-Month Plan | $45.99 | per 6 months |
| 6-Month, 3 Days Free Trial | $50.99 | per 6 months |
| 6-Month Plan | $50.99 | per 6 months |
| 1-Year Plan | $66.99 | per year |
| 1-Year Plan, 7 Days Free Trial | $73.99 | per year |
| 1-Year Plan | $73.99 | per year |


### Kensho

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kensho/id6444700768)

This app offers guided meditations, affirmations, and journaling tools to help users achieve a happier, more mindful life. It incorporates principles from CBT, transactional analysis, ACT, and Buddhism to reduce stress, improve focus, and foster self-discovery.

**Highlights:** Guided audio meditations, Daily affirmations library, Gratitude, Joy, and Desire journals, Balance wheel for life assessment, Courses on various life aspects, Mental health practices

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Month Subscription | $5.99 | per month |
| 6 Month Subscription | $19.99 | per 6 months |
| 12 Month Subscription | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Self free?

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

### Is Kensho free?

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

### Do Self or Kensho have ads?

Neither Self nor Kensho shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Self or Kensho?

Self ships an update fortnightly, and Kensho fortnightly. Most recently, Self was updated on September 13, 2026 and Kensho on September 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.*