# Essence vs SelfControl

The clearest difference is monetization model: Essence at free with in-app purchases against SelfControl's subscription. Essence also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 6 months). SelfControl's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Essence sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and SelfControl sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. 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 Essence against 4.8 for SelfControl. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 18 and 12 respectively.

Essence ships an update every 2 weeks, SelfControl every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Essence | SelfControl |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/essence-quit-addiction/id6459020374/reviews) | **[4.8 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/selfcontrol-reboottracker/id6745204451/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **18** | 12 |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 143 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **16.6** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Joe Jeyaseelan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1691268023) | [蕾 李](https://appshunter.io/developer/1808499117) |

## What reviewers say

### Essence

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/essence-quit-addiction/id6459020374)

This app helps users break compulsive behaviors and build lasting self-discipline through science-based recovery principles. It offers structured programs, tracking tools, and mental wellness exercises to reduce urges and improve focus. Users can monitor their progress with streak counters and widgets for constant motivation.

**Highlights:** Addiction recovery tracker, Streak counter, Structured recovery program, Urge management tools, Mindfulness exercises, Home and lock screen widgets, Private and secure tracking

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium | $1.99 | per month |
| Yearly Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| Coins | $0.99 | one-time |
| Coins | $1.99 | one-time |
| Coins | $4.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Premium | $39.99 | one-time |


### SelfControl

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/selfcontrol-reboottracker/id6745204451)

This app helps users stay committed to their goals, such as abstaining from porn, by tracking progress, visualizing savings, and offering motivational milestones. It provides custom reminders and a clean, ad-free design for a focused experience.

**Highlights:** One-tap progress logging, Private and secure tracking, Count porn-free days and streaks, Visualize time and money saved, Motivational milestones, Customizable reminders, Ad-free design

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Essence free?

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

### Is SelfControl free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Essence or SelfControl?

SelfControl is rated higher. Essence averages 4.7 out of 5 from 18 ratings, while SelfControl averages 4.8 from 12 ratings.

### Do Essence or SelfControl have ads?

Essence shows ads; SelfControl does not.

### Which is updated more often, Essence or SelfControl?

Essence ships an update every 2 weeks, and SelfControl every 6 months. Most recently, Essence was updated on October 14, 2026 and SelfControl on October 10, 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.*