# Maelstrom vs NextStep

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Maelstrom at none against NextStep's 3. Maelstrom also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). NextStep's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 8 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NextStep sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Maelstrom asks for nothing beyond the download.

Maelstrom ships an update every 8 months, NextStep every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Maelstrom | NextStep |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Size | 32 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Richard Helm](https://appshunter.io/developer/1763890605) | [Mubarak Almahmeed](https://appshunter.io/developer/1793763608) |

## What reviewers say

### Maelstrom

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maelstrom-routine-builder/id6649161353)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### NextStep

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nextstep-visual-routine-timer/id6810808264)

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Pro Annual | $29.99 | per year |
| Pro Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Maelstrom free?

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

### Is NextStep free?

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

### Do Maelstrom or NextStep have ads?

Neither Maelstrom nor NextStep shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Maelstrom or NextStep?

Maelstrom ships an update every 8 months, and NextStep every 3 weeks. Most recently, Maelstrom was updated on October 27, 2026 and NextStep on October 29, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*