# PlainZen vs The Bedtime Express

The clearest difference is review sentiment: The Bedtime Express at 87% against PlainZen's 0%. The Bedtime Express also leads on ratings volume (24 vs 2) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). PlainZen's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

PlainZen costs $1.99 and The Bedtime Express $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

PlainZen holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: The Bedtime Express has 24 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 0% of PlainZen's written reviews are positive against 87% of The Bedtime Express's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

PlainZen ships an update every 13 months, The Bedtime Express every 11 months. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | PlainZen | The Bedtime Express |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | $1.99 |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plainzen/id366968925/reviews)** | [4.8 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-bedtime-express/id722784828/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **24** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **86.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 13 months | **Every 11 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 6 MB | 125 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vicente Malixi](https://appshunter.io/developer/355896066) | [Unit11](https://appshunter.io/developer/461513620) |

## What reviewers say

### PlainZen

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plainzen/id366968925)

This tutorial explains Zen in simple terms, focusing on its practical application in daily life. It demystifies Zen by avoiding jargon and historical details, emphasizing how it works and improves well-being for anyone, regardless of background. The app includes features to bookmark your progress and navigate through various topics.

**Highlights:** Plain language Zen explanation, Focus on practical application, Avoids jargon and rituals, Bookmark functionality, Table of contents navigation, Covers core Zen concepts

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### The Bedtime Express

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-bedtime-express/id722784828)

Embark on a nightly adventure with animated bedtime stories featuring unique characters and interactive elements. Help passengers on their journey home and tuck them into bed with calming activities. Discover new stories and locations each night for a relaxing end to the day.

**Highlights:** Animated bedtime stories, Interactive passenger journeys, Calming narration and illustrations, Nightly changing stories, Variety of characters and locations, Interactive bedtime routines

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PlainZen free?

PlainZen costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is The Bedtime Express free?

The Bedtime Express costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, PlainZen or The Bedtime Express?

PlainZen is rated higher. PlainZen averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while The Bedtime Express averages 4.8 from 24 ratings.

### Do PlainZen or The Bedtime Express have ads?

Neither PlainZen nor The Bedtime Express shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PlainZen or The Bedtime Express?

PlainZen ships an update every 13 months, and The Bedtime Express every 11 months. Most recently, PlainZen was updated on November 1, 2026 and The Bedtime Express on November 1, 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.*