# Linus vs Recess

The clearest difference is monetization model: Linus at free with in-app purchases against Recess's subscription. Linus also leads on ratings volume (759 vs 8) and device support (3 vs 1). Recess's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (100% vs 68%). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Linus sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per 3 months and Recess sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Linus against 4.9 for Recess. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Linus has 759 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 68% of Linus's written reviews are positive against 100% of Recess's.

Linus ships an update every 11 days, Recess every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Linus | Recess |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (759 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/linus-digital-sat-prep/id6740494483/reviews) | **[4.9 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/recess-study-then-scroll/id6777757202/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **759** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | 68.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 11 days | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 93 MB | 24 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Linus Labs, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1790246412) | [THOMAS JOHN GIRGASH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896528302) |

## What reviewers say

### Linus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/linus-digital-sat-prep/id6740494483)

This app offers a gamified approach to preparing for the new Digital SAT. It provides targeted practice for Math, Vocabulary, and Reading sections, with features like daily quests and progress tracking to make studying engaging and effective.

**Highlights:** Gamified learning with quests and streaks, Simulates Bluebook testing experience, Targeted Math, Vocabulary, and Reading practice, Smart study planner for bite-sized lessons, Instant feedback on answers, Progress tracking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Quarterly | $24.99 | per 3 months |
| Turbo | $24.99 | per month |
| Turbo | $24.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Turbo Monthly | $99.00 | per month |
| Turbo Monthly | $100.00 | per month |
| Turbo | $149.99 | per year |
| Turbo | $149.99 | per year |
| Turbo | $150.00 | per month |
| Linus Premium | $249.00 | per 3 months |
| Turbo Yearly | $499.00 | per year |
| Turbo | $500.00 | per year |
| Turbo Yearly | $600.00 | per year |
| SAT Test Date Access | $79.00 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💪 Perfect app
- 👍 Nice game
- 👍 Enjoyable!
- 👍 Best SAT app
- 👍 Easily the BEST FREE SAT Resource out there!

**Requested features**

- Personalized practice
- Practice tests


### Recess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/recess-study-then-scroll/id6777757202)

This app uses your study materials to create flashcards and quizzes, blocking distracting apps until you complete them. Earn your scroll time by answering questions and building study streaks. It's designed to turn idle phone usage into productive learning sessions.

**Highlights:** AI flashcard generation from notes, PDFs, and slides, Study gate to block distracting apps, Quiz Me and Practice Test modes, Daily study goals and streaks, Exam ramp with test date reminders, Spaced repetition scheduling, Web companion for computer uploads

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Recess Pro Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Recess Pro Yearly | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Linus free?

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

### Is Recess free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Linus or Recess?

Recess is rated higher. Linus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 759 ratings, while Recess averages 4.9 from 8 ratings.

### Do Linus or Recess have ads?

Linus shows ads; Recess does not.

### Which is updated more often, Linus or Recess?

Linus ships an update every 11 days, and Recess every 10 days. Most recently, Linus was updated on October 14, 2026 and Recess on October 1, 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.*