# The Cove vs Next Step

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: The Cove at none against Next Step's 2. Next Step's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Next Step sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $12.00 per month. The Cove asks for nothing beyond the download.

The Cove ships an update every 3 months, Next Step monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Cove | Next Step |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 55 MB | 106 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **15.0.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Momence, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1577856011) | [Next Step Collective Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1780994106) |

## What reviewers say

### The Cove

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-cove/id6584522977)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Next Step

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/next-step/id6738487846)

This app offers guided breathwork and sound healing sessions to reduce stress, boost energy, and promote inner peace. It utilizes science-backed techniques and immersive soundscapes for relaxation and focus, accessible anytime, anywhere.

**Highlights:** Guided breathwork sessions, Immersive sound healing, Stress reduction techniques, Energy boosting exercises, Community access, Accessible anytime, anywhere

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Core Monthly NS Subscription | $12.00 | per month |
| Core Annual NS Subscription | $119.00 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Cove free?

The Cove is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Next Step free?

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

### Do The Cove or Next Step have ads?

Neither The Cove nor Next Step shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, The Cove or Next Step?

The Cove ships an update every 3 months, and Next Step monthly. Most recently, The Cove was updated on September 15, 2026 and Next Step on September 8, 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.*