Compulsion vs Open Step
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Compulsion
This app provides tools for managing OCD symptoms through evidence-based techniques like ERP and CBT. It helps users track compulsions, engage in guided exposures, and practice mindfulness to build resilience.
- Compulsion tracking
- AI-powered exposures
- Guided exposure therapy
- Mindfulness exercises
- Progress insights and metrics
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Compulsion is your daily companion for managing OCD symptoms using evidence-based tools like ERP (Exposure & Response Prevention) and CBT techniques. Track anxiety, resist compulsions, and build resilience with guided exposure exercises. Key Features: - Compulsion Tracking – Manage your compulsions by logging intrusive thoughts, exposure tasks, anxiety, and more. - AI-Powered Exposures - Generate exposures using AI that are tailored towards you as an individual. - Guided Exposures – Step-by-step exposure therapy feature to assist you conquer your intrusive thoughts. - Practice Mindfulness – Find your peace with calming meditation & grounding exercises. - Progress Insights – Visualize your progress by watching your anxiety reduce over time with charts and metrics. Disclaimer: This app is not a substitute for professional medical advice. License Agreement: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Open Step
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OpenStep is a self-guided therapeutic app for people living with OCD. Built on CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). 22-Step Exposure Ladder Your recovery starts where you are. A graduated system takes you from standing at your door to riding public transport and visiting a cinema — at your own pace. Each step includes instructions, duration guidance, and encouragement. AI-Powered Cognitive Reframing Anxiety lies. OpenStep uses AI to identify cognitive distortions like catastrophizing, fortune telling, and all-or-nothing thinking. Catch the patterns your mind uses to keep you stuck - a core skill in CBT for OCD. Daily Affirmations 7 categories crafted for the unique challenges of agoraphobia — brave days, setback days, being far from home, navigating crowds, and more. Structured Practice Sessions Every practice follows a 5-phase model: Plan → Stay → Notice → Return → Reflect. Track anxiety before and after, record what your mind predicted versus what actually happened, and watch evidence of your progress grow. Growth Journal Capture reflections, track anxiety patterns, and build a personal record of recovery. Daily Check-Ins A gentle morning notification invites you to set your focus — keeping your CBT practice consistent and momentum steady. Why OpenStep? • Evidence-based CBT approach to OCD • Self-paced — no therapist required • Warm, calming design — not clinical • AI-assisted thought analysis • 49+ handcrafted affirmations • Journaling and progress tracking Terms of Use: https://www.faravaree-lab.com/terms-of-use
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Compulsion at 5.0 against Open Step's 1.0. Compulsion also leads on ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Compulsion sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $5.99 per month and Open Step sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Compulsion holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.
Compulsion ships an update weekly, Open Step every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Compulsion | Open Step |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better | 1.0 (1 ratings) |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Weekly | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 99 MB | 34 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Chase Benedict | Faravaree lab |
In-app purchases
Compulsion
- English1 Month trial$5.991 Month
Open Step
- OpenStep Pro — Monthly3 Days trial$4.991 Month
- Premium Weekly Access$4.997 Days
- OpenStep Pro — Monthly3 Days trial$7.991 Month
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- OpenStep Pro — Monthly3 Days trial$9.991 Month
- OpenStep Pro — Yearly (Special)3 Days trial$24.991 Year
- OpenStep Pro — Yearly3 Days trial$29.991 Year
- OpenStep Pro — Yearly3 Days trial$47.991 Year
- OpenStep Pro — Yearly3 Days trial$59.991 Year
- Yearly$59.991 Year
- Yearly$119.991 Year
- AI Recovery Report$24.99






