# Essence vs MoveFirst

The clearest difference is update cadence: MoveFirst at daily against Essence's every 2 weeks. Essence's advantage is iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Essence sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and MoveFirst sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Essence ships an update every 2 weeks, MoveFirst daily. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Essence | MoveFirst |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (19 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/essence-quit-addiction/id6459020374/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **19** | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 153 MB | 92 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.6** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Joe Jeyaseelan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1691268023) | [Everton Carneiro](https://appshunter.io/developer/1256871027) |

## 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, Vision Pro support

**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 |


### MoveFirst

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/movefirst-screen-time-control/id6788459999)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Pro | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Annual Pro | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Essence free?

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

### Is MoveFirst free?

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

### Do Essence or MoveFirst have ads?

Neither Essence nor MoveFirst shows ads.

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

Essence ships an update every 2 weeks, and MoveFirst daily. Most recently, Essence was updated on October 27, 2026 and MoveFirst on October 25, 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.*