# Talkspace vs Self

The clearest difference is rating: Talkspace at 4.8 against Self's 4.3. Talkspace also leads on ratings volume (47K vs 16) and chart position (#209 vs unranked). Self's advantage is review sentiment (67% vs 27%) and monetization model (free vs subscription). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Talkspace holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Talkspace has 47K ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 27% of Talkspace's written reviews are positive against 67% of Self's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Talkspace ships an update every 6 weeks, Self every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Talkspace | Self |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (47K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/talkspace-virtual-therapy-app/id661829386/reviews)** | [4.3 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self-love/id1602756119/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **47K** | 16 |
| Positive reviews | 26.8% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#209** | — |
| Size | 19 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Groop Internet Platform inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/661829389) | [Happy Brain, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1483876243) |

## What reviewers say

### Talkspace

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/talkspace-virtual-therapy-app/id661829386)

**Currently charting:** #209 Top Free · Health & Fitness (US App Store)

Access licensed therapists for online mental health support through text, audio, and video messaging. Receive personalized support and custom podcasts to aid your mental wellness journey. Insurance and employer coverage options are available.

**Highlights:** Licensed therapist matching, Unlimited messaging (text, audio, video), Daily responses from therapists, Personalized Talkcast podcasts, Insurance and employer coverage, HIPAA compliant security

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Convenient online therapy
- 👍 Helpful therapists
- 💡 Innovative concept
- 🔒 Secure platform

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unresponsive customer service
- 💰 Expensive pricing
- 🕰️ Slow therapist response times
- 🔀 Difficulty switching therapists
- 🚫 Lack of in-network insurance coverage

**Reported bugs**

- Technical issues with app and website
- Glitches in booking and rescheduling appointments
- Inconsistent therapist availability and communication

**Requested features**

- Ability to schedule live sessions
- Option to extend session credits beyond monthly cycle
- Improved user interface and navigation
- More transparency around billing and cancellation policies


### Self

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self-love/id1602756119)

This app guides users through self-parenting techniques to develop healthy coping mechanisms. It helps connect with emotions, body, and inner child, fostering protective inner parents for navigating life's uncertainties.

**Highlights:** Self-parenting guidance, Connect with feelings, Connect with body, Connect with inner child, Develop healthy inner parents, Coping mechanisms for trauma survivors

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Talkspace free?

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

### Is Self free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Talkspace or Self?

Talkspace is rated higher. Talkspace averages 4.8 out of 5 from 47K ratings, while Self averages 4.3 from 16 ratings.

### Do Talkspace or Self have ads?

Neither Talkspace nor Self shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Talkspace or Self?

Talkspace ships an update every 6 weeks, and Self every 2 weeks. Most recently, Talkspace was updated on November 7, 2026 and Self on November 3, 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.*