# Self vs Hydration Buddy

The clearest difference is ads: Hydration Buddy at none against Self's shown. Hydration Buddy also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 12 months). Self's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Self sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and Hydration Buddy sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $6.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Self against 5.0 for Hydration Buddy. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.

Self ships an update every 12 months, Hydration Buddy fortnightly. Both last shipped on November 4, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Self | Hydration Buddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self-improvement-therapy/id6474253055/reviews) | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hydration-buddy/id6479582096/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **2** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 12 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 24 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Pavel Vinnik](https://appshunter.io/developer/1656643245) | [Glen Riden](https://appshunter.io/developer/1700786481) |

## What reviewers say

### Self

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self-improvement-therapy/id6474253055)

This app guides users through self-improvement techniques like journaling, affirmations, and physical exercise. It aims to foster self-awareness and personal growth through various strategies. Access to all content requires a subscription.

**Highlights:** Journaling for pattern discovery, Daily affirmations for focus, Physical exercise guidance, Reading recommendations, Encourages trying new things, Promotes self-awareness

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Month Subscription | $6.99 | per month |
| 1 Year Subscription | $19.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Self-improvement | $29.99 | one-time |


### Hydration Buddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hydration-buddy/id6479582096)

Effortlessly monitor your daily water and caffeine intake to maintain a healthy balance. This app is designed to help users establish better hydration habits and manage their caffeine consumption effectively.

**Highlights:** Track daily water intake, Monitor caffeine consumption, Set hydration reminders, Maintain healthy balance, Improve hydration habits

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Yearly Premium Subscription | $6.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Self free?

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

### Is Hydration Buddy free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Self or Hydration Buddy?

Self and Hydration Buddy are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 2 ratings respectively.

### Do Self or Hydration Buddy have ads?

Self shows ads; Hydration Buddy does not.

### Which is updated more often, Self or Hydration Buddy?

Self ships an update every 12 months, and Hydration Buddy fortnightly. Most recently, Self was updated on November 4, 2026 and Hydration Buddy on November 4, 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.*