Anchor vs FreshStart
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Anchor
This app offers evidence-based DBT and CBT techniques for individuals managing PTSD and trauma. It provides immediate access to coping strategies, AI-powered support, and crisis resources, with features for mood tracking and progress visualization. All data is stored locally for enhanced privacy and security.
- Evidence-based DBT/CBT techniques
- AI support assistant
- Mood and emotion tracking
- 24/7 crisis resources
- Progress tracking
- Offline capability
- Privacy-focused design
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Anchor is an educational mental health support app designed specifically for veterans and individuals living with PTSD and trauma-related conditions. Built with evidence-based DBT and CBT techniques from authoritative sources including Harvard Medical School, Mayo Clinic, the American Psychological Association, and the VA National Center for PTSD, Anchor provides immediate access to coping strategies, crisis resources, and AI-powered support whenever you need it. KEY FEATURES: Evidence-Based DBT/CBT Techniques (with Medical Citations) - Grounding exercises (5-4-3-2-1, Body Scan, Physical Grounding, etc.) - Breathing techniques (Box Breathing, 4-7-8, Diaphragmatic, etc.) - Distress tolerance skills (TIPP, ACCEPTS, Self-Soothe, etc.) - Emotion regulation strategies (PLEASE, Opposite Action, Check the Facts, etc.) - Interpersonal effectiveness (DEAR MAN, GIVE, etc.) - Mindfulness practices (Observe, Describe, Participate, etc.) - Cognitive techniques (Thought Records, Behavioral Activation, etc.) - All techniques include citations to reputable medical sources AI Support Assistant - Real-time technique suggestions based on your emotional state - Crisis moment guidance with intelligent keyword detection - Trauma-informed, validating responses - Quick help buttons for immediate support - Powered by advanced natural language understanding Enhanced Mood & Emotion Tracking - Quick 5-point mood scale for fast check-ins - Detailed emotion logging with PTSD-appropriate emotion model - Track primary emotions, intensity, and context - Identify patterns in hypervigilance, shutdown responses, and emotional states - Progress charts and trend visualization - Data export for healthcare providers 24/7 Crisis Resources - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) - Veterans Crisis Line - Crisis Text Line - Local emergency resources - Personal safety planning tools Progress Tracking - Daily mood logging with progress charts - Technique effectiveness ratings - Identify patterns and triggers - Data export for healthcare providers Privacy & Security - All data stored locally on your device - No cloud storage without your consent - No tracking or analytics - HIPAA-aware design - Secure storage for sensitive information 100% Offline Capable - All features work without internet - Access techniques anytime, anywhere - Crisis resources available offline DESIGNED FOR: - Veterans with PTSD - Trauma survivors - Individuals in therapy seeking supplemental educational tools - Anyone learning DBT/CBT skills - People managing anxiety and stress IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Anchor is a self-help and educational tool. It is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a medical device and does not provide medical services. If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately. WHY ANCHOR? Created with input from mental health professionals and trauma survivors, Anchor combines evidence-based techniques with modern technology to provide educational support when you need it most. Whether you're in therapy or managing symptoms on your own, Anchor is your companion for learning coping skills and personal growth. SUPPORT: For questions, feedback, or support, visit our GitHub repository or contact us through the app. Your journey to healing matters. Download Anchor today.
FreshStart
This app provides tools and motivation to help users quit vaping. It features a live quit timer, money saved counter, and a health recovery timeline. An AI coach is available to help manage cravings.
- Live quit timer
- Money saved counter
- Health recovery timeline
- AI craving coach
- Achievement badges
- Home screen widgets
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FreshStart: Quit Vaping is the most motivating quit vaping app on the App Store. Whether you just put down your last pod or you're ready to finally quit for good, FreshStart gives you the tools, motivation, and support to succeed. LIVE QUIT TIMER Watch every smoke-free second tick by. See exactly how long you've been vape-free and feel the momentum build with every passing hour. MONEY SAVED COUNTER Enter how much you spend on vaping per week and watch your savings grow in real time. See exactly how much cash you're putting back in your pocket — every single day. HEALTH RECOVERY TIMELINE Your body starts healing the moment you quit. Track 10 science-backed health milestones — from your heart rate normalizing in 20 minutes to your lung function dramatically improving after 1 year. Each milestone is sourced from leading medical organizations including the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and NHS. AI CRAVING COACH — MEET ARIA When a craving hits, Aria is ready. Our GPT-powered AI coach helps you work through cravings with personalized strategies, breathing exercises, and motivational support — available 24/7, right when you need it most. (Premium) ACHIEVEMENT BADGES Celebrate every milestone with 15 unique achievement badges. From your first 20 minutes to one full year vape-free — every win deserves recognition. HOME SCREEN WIDGETS Keep your progress front and center with beautiful home screen widgets showing your quit timer and money saved at a glance. (Premium) FRESHSTART PREMIUM Unlock the full FreshStart experience with a free 3-day trial: • Full AI Craving Coach (Aria) — 24/7 GPT support • Complete Health Timeline — all 10 recovery milestones • All 15 Achievement Badges • Home Screen Widgets Subscription options: • Weekly: $4.99/week • Annual: $29.99/year (best value — save 88%) Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage and cancel your subscription in your App Store account settings at any time. TERMS OF USE & PRIVACY POLICY By using FreshStart, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Terms of Use: https://breatheapp-fjefncwu.manus.space/terms Privacy Policy: https://breatheapp-fjefncwu.manus.space/privacy FreshStart uses the standard Apple Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Every breath counts. Your journey starts now.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: FreshStart at 5.0 against Anchor's 4.5. Anchor's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads 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. FreshStart sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Anchor asks for nothing beyond the download.
FreshStart holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 2 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.
Anchor ships an update every 10 days, FreshStart every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Anchor | FreshStart |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.5 (2 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days — better | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Freemium |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 31 MB | 31 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Ryan Charles Lingo | Jared Klein |
Customer experience
Anchor
FreshStart
In-app purchases
Anchor
No in-app purchases
FreshStart
- FreshStart Premium Weekly3 Days trial$4.997 Days
- FreshStart Premium Annual3 Days trial$9.991 Year









