# Self App vs Shadow Work

The clearest difference is ads: Shadow Work at none against Self App's shown. Shadow Work also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.5) and ratings volume (69 vs 2). Self App's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 88%). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Self App sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and Shadow Work sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Shadow Work holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Shadow Work has 69 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 100% of Self App's written reviews are positive against 88% of Shadow Work's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Self App | Shadow Work |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self-app-inner-discovery-tool/id6670763557/reviews) | **[4.8 (69 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-work-bayun/id6749183398/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **69** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 87.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | Every 9 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 444 MB | 177 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | 18.6 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Interplay Digital UAB](https://appshunter.io/developer/1767437617) | [Oleg Azbukin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1829141175) |

## What reviewers say

### Self App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self-app-inner-discovery-tool/id6670763557)

This app offers daily prompts and guidance for self-reflection, inner discovery, and personal growth. It helps users explore their inner truth, reconnect with values, and find clarity. Designed for those seeking intention and a deeper connection with themselves.

**Highlights:** Daily self-reflection prompts, Inner discovery guidance, Personal growth exercises, Resolving inner conflicts, Finding answers through associations, Focused, distraction-free experience

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Basic | $6.99 | per month |
| Base | $24.99 | per month |
| Progressive | $59.99 | per year |
| Progressive | $209.99 | per year |


### Shadow Work

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-work-bayun/id6749183398)

Explore your inner self through guided journaling, AI-powered conversations, and dream interpretation. Uncover personal patterns and heal old wounds with daily psychological stories and interactive choices.

**Highlights:** Daily psychological stories, AI-guided self-reflection, Dream journaling and interpretation, Interactive story choices, Collectible tarot cards, Shadow work prompts

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $7.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $49.99 | per year |
| Unlock Premium | $14.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Self App free?

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

### Is Shadow Work free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Self App or Shadow Work?

Shadow Work is rated higher. Self App averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Shadow Work averages 4.8 from 69 ratings.

### Do Self App or Shadow Work have ads?

Self App shows ads; Shadow Work does not.

### Which is updated more often, Self App or Shadow Work?

Self App ships an update every 9 days, and Shadow Work every 9 days. Most recently, Self App was updated on October 5, 2026 and Shadow Work on October 15, 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.*