Comparison

Compulsion vs Open Step

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Compulsion tracking
  • AI-powered exposures
  • Guided exposure therapy
  • Mindfulness exercises
  • Progress insights and metrics
Features
Read full description

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/

About

Open Step

Features
Read full description

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

Compulsion4 screens
Open Step4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Compulsion ships an update weekly, Open Step every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Compulsion versus Open Step: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCompulsionOpen Step
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better1.0 (1 ratings)
Number of ratings2 — better1
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 5 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size99 MB34 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperChase BenedictFaravaree lab

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Compulsion

Subscriptions1
  • English1 Month trial$5.991 Month
11 purchases

Open Step

Subscriptions10
  • OpenStep Pro — Monthly3 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Premium Weekly Access$4.997 Days
  • OpenStep Pro — Monthly3 Days trial$7.991 Month
Show 7 more
  • 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
One-time1
  • AI Recovery Report$24.99

Questions

Is Compulsion free?
Compulsion is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Open Step free?
Open Step is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Compulsion or Open Step?
Compulsion is rated higher. Compulsion averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Open Step averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Compulsion or Open Step have ads?
Open Step shows ads; Compulsion does not.
Which is updated more often, Compulsion or Open Step?
Compulsion ships an update weekly, and Open Step every 5 days. Most recently, Compulsion was updated on October 20, 2026 and Open Step on October 24, 2026.

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