Comparison

panic.btn vs Don't Panic

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

Head to head
About

panic.btn

Provides immediate physiological intervention for panic attacks and overwhelming anxiety. Features a one-tap rescue button with guided grounding sequences, clinical breathing exercises, and haptic feedback for discreet use. Content is verified by a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Highlights
  • One-tap rescue button
  • Guided grounding sequences
  • Clinical breathing tools (4-7-8, Box Breathing)
  • Vagus nerve resets
  • Haptic feedback for discreet use
  • CBT and physiological science-based content
Features
Read full description

STOP THE SPIRAL IN SECONDS. When a panic attack hits, you don't have time to navigate complex menus or watch a 10-minute meditation. You need a rescue tool that works now. panic.btn is a "digital first aid kit" built by Eric (Franz) Richers, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and addiction specialist. It is specifically designed to provide immediate physiological intervention when your nervous system is overwhelmed. WHY PANIC.BTN? Unlike "zen" lifestyle apps, panic.btn focuses on the science of the "Physiological Sigh" and grounding techniques used in clinical therapy to lower your heart rate and cortisol levels instantly. KEY FEATURES: The Rescue Button: One tap launches a guided grounding sequence. Clinical Breathing Tools: 4-7-8, Box Breathing, and Vagus Nerve resets. Haptic Feedback: Feel the rhythm of the breath—perfect for public situations where you can't use audio. LPC-Verified Content: Every exercise is rooted in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and physiological science. Privacy First: No data leaves your device. No sign-ups. No subscriptions. FROM THE FOUNDER: "I built this app for my clients to use between sessions. In a moment of crisis, you don't need a coach—you need a tool. panic.btn is that tool." — Eric Richers, LPC, MA, CADC III. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Don't Panic

This app offers immediate tools for panic attacks and long-term anxiety management. It provides guided exercises, CBT lessons, and tracking features to help users cope with and overcome anxiety.

Highlights
  • Panic Button for immediate guided support
  • 50+ CBT lessons for long-term recovery
  • Fear Ladder for gradual exposure therapy
  • Guided breathing and grounding exercises
  • Anxiety journal for tracking thoughts and triggers
  • Progress tracking and milestone celebration
  • Apple Watch integration for quick access
Features
Read full description

Don't Panic is your pocket companion for panic attacks and anxiety. Whether you're in the middle of a panic attack or working to overcome anxiety long-term, Don't Panic gives you the tools you need. PANIC RELIEF When panic strikes, tap the Panic Button for immediate guided support. Choose from breathing exercises, grounding techniques, calming meditations, and distraction games — all designed to help you ride out the wave. 50+ LESSONS Learn evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques across 10 modules — from understanding what panic actually is, to cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and long-term recovery. Each lesson includes key takeaways, action steps, and quizzes to reinforce what you learn. FEAR LADDER Our unique exposure hierarchy tool helps you face your fears gradually. Build your personal fear ladder, rate your anxiety levels, and track your progress as you work through each step at your own pace. BREATHING & GROUNDING Multiple guided breathing patterns (4-7-8, box breathing, and more) with visual animations. Plus grounding exercises using the 5-4-3-2-1 technique and other proven methods to bring you back to the present moment. ANXIETY JOURNAL Track your thoughts, feelings, and triggers. Identify patterns over time and see your progress. All entries sync across your devices with iCloud. PROGRESS TRACKING See your streaks, completed lessons, breathing minutes, meditation time, and more. Celebrate milestones and stay motivated on your journey. APPLE WATCH Quick access to breathing exercises and panic relief right from your wrist — when pulling out your phone isn't an option. PRIVACY FIRST Your data stays on your device and your private iCloud account. We don't collect, sell, or share any personal information. No account required. WHAT'S INCLUDED FREE • Panic relief button with guided support • Core breathing exercises • Basic grounding techniques • First 5 lessons • Progress tracking • Data export PREMIUM (14-DAY FREE TRIAL) • All 50+ CBT lessons • Full breathing exercise library • All grounding exercises • Fear ladder (exposure hierarchy) • Anxiety journal • Guided meditations • Daily affirmations • iCloud sync across devices Don't Panic is not a replacement for professional mental health treatment. If you're in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis helpline. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://dont-panic-app.com/privacy

Screenshots

panic.btn4 screens
Don't Panic4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ratings volume: Don't Panic at 3 against panic.btn's 1. On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence 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. panic.btn sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Don't Panic sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for panic.btn against 5.0 for Don't Panic. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 3 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

panic.btn ships an update every 2 weeks, Don't Panic every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
panic.btn versus Don't Panic: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameterpanic.btnDon't Panic
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings13 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 8 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size61 MB192 MB
Age rating12+12+
DeveloperFranz RichersGame Trail Labs, LLC

Customer experience

panic.btn

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Don't Panic

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

panic.btn

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Pro Access$0.991 Month
  • Yearly Premium Access$4.991 Year
One-time1
  • panic.btn Pro Lifetime Access$9.99
2 purchases

Don't Panic

Subscriptions2
  • Premium Monthly$6.991 Month
  • Premium Annual$49.991 Year

Questions

Is panic.btn free?
panic.btn is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Don't Panic free?
Don't Panic is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, panic.btn or Don't Panic?
panic.btn and Don't Panic are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 3 ratings respectively.
Do panic.btn or Don't Panic have ads?
Neither panic.btn nor Don't Panic shows ads.
Which is updated more often, panic.btn or Don't Panic?
panic.btn ships an update every 2 weeks, and Don't Panic every 8 days. Most recently, panic.btn was updated on October 6, 2026 and Don't Panic on September 26, 2026.

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