Comparison

panic.btn vs Breath Lab

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

Breath Lab

Features
Read full description

Breath Lab is your personal breath training system — science-based, voice-guided, and built for progress. ◆ FOUR TRAINING MODES • Regulation — Box breathing for immediate nervous system control • Resilience — Stress interval training inspired by the Wim Hof method • Calming — 4-7-8 technique by Dr. Andrew Weil to wind down • CO₂ Tolerance — Buteyko-inspired training for more efficient breathing ◆ VOICE-GUIDED SESSIONS Every session is accompanied by voice cues guiding you through each phase — inhale, hold, exhale. No need to watch the screen. ◆ TRACK YOUR PROGRESS Detailed statistics: weekly overview, training streaks, total time, and personal records. Set a weekly goal and stay on track. ◆ FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE Adjust breathing times, rounds, and background music to match your level. Create custom breathing patterns with the free training mode. Whether it's a morning activation, a pre-sleep wind-down, or a quick stress reset — Breath Lab has the right protocol for you. —————— Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://eliasschlatter.github.io/breath-lab/privacy.html

Screenshots

panic.btn4 screens
Breath Lab4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: panic.btn at every 2 weeks against Breath Lab's every 2 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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 Breath Lab sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

panic.btn ships an update every 2 weeks, Breath Lab every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
panic.btn versus Breath Lab: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameterpanic.btnBreath Lab
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size61 MB152 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperFranz RichersElias Nathanael Schlatter

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

Breath Lab

Subscriptions2
  • Breath Lab Premium (Monthly)$1.991 Month
  • Breath Lab Premium (Annual)$12.991 Year

Questions

Is panic.btn free?
panic.btn is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Breath Lab free?
Breath Lab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do panic.btn or Breath Lab have ads?
Neither panic.btn nor Breath Lab shows ads.
Which is updated more often, panic.btn or Breath Lab?
panic.btn ships an update every 2 weeks, and Breath Lab every 2 months. Most recently, panic.btn was updated on November 5, 2026 and Breath Lab on October 31, 2026.

Other comparisons