# Protocol vs Ballast

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Protocol at 16.4 against Ballast's 26.0. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Protocol sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month and Ballast sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Protocol ships an update every 2 weeks, Ballast fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Protocol | Ballast |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (53 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/protocol-health-and-longevity/id6748813085/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **53** | — |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 108 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Brainstash, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1445023294) | [Mohamed Elatabany](https://appshunter.io/developer/1814429185) |

## What reviewers say

### Protocol

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/protocol-health-and-longevity/id6748813085)

Build sustainable, science-backed habits for a longer, healthier life. This app offers personalized recommendations for sleep, nutrition, movement, and mental well-being, focusing on small, consistent actions that compound over time. Track your progress and join a community for support on your longevity journey.

**Highlights:** Science-backed longevity protocols, Personalized habit recommendations, Micro-habit building, Progress tracking, Community insights, Longevity toolkit

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly Subscription | $12.99 | per month |
| Pro 3 Months Subscription | $24.99 | per 3 months |
| Pro Yearly Subscription | $89.99 | per year |
| Pro Yearly Subscription | $89.99 | per year |
| Pro Yearly Subscription | $99.99 | per year |


### Ballast

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ballast-quit-pmo/id6803731313)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ballast Pro | $2.99 | per month |
| Ballast Pro | $14.99 | per year |
| Ballast Pro Lifetime | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Protocol free?

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

### Is Ballast free?

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

### Do Protocol or Ballast have ads?

Neither Protocol nor Ballast shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Protocol or Ballast?

Protocol ships an update every 2 weeks, and Ballast fortnightly. Most recently, Protocol was updated on October 28, 2026 and Ballast on October 26, 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.*