# Shadow Work vs Self

The clearest difference is update cadence: Self at daily against Shadow Work's every 6 months. Self also leads on monetization model (free vs freemium). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Shadow Work sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and Self sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Shadow Work against 5.0 for Self. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

Shadow Work ships an update every 6 months, Self daily. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shadow Work | Self |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-work-prompts-and-journal/id6762054437/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self-reliance-tips/id6765832037/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 56 MB | 253 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Souhayb Kamal Dine](https://appshunter.io/developer/1871701232) | [Drew Douglass](https://appshunter.io/developer/1887999660) |

## What reviewers say

### Shadow Work

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-work-prompts-and-journal/id6762054437)

This guided journal helps you explore your inner self through courageous prompts and mood tracking. It offers a structured path for self-reflection, focusing on confronting, integrating, and transforming personal challenges without external distractions.

**Highlights:** Guided shadow work prompts, Daily free prompt, Premium prompt library, Mood tracking, Private reflection archive, Progress insights, Daily reflection reminders

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shadow Pro — Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Shadow Pro — Yearly | $39.99 | per year |


### Self

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self-reliance-tips/id6765832037)

This app offers gentle observations and practical techniques for navigating difficult moments and learning to be alone. It provides a steady, non-judgmental voice with no pressure to perform or maintain streaks. Access resources for professional help when needed.

**Highlights:** Daily observations and techniques, No streaks or performance pressure, Collection of revealed cards, Links to authoritative sources, Resources for professional help, Focus on self-compassion and regulation

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A warm cup | $1.99 | one-time |
| One step taken | $4.99 | one-time |
| A view of dawn | $9.99 | one-time |
| A long quiet evening | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shadow Work free?

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

### Is Self free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Shadow Work or Self?

Shadow Work and Self are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Shadow Work or Self have ads?

Neither Shadow Work nor Self shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Shadow Work or Self?

Shadow Work ships an update every 6 months, and Self daily. Most recently, Shadow Work was updated on October 31, 2026 and Self on October 31, 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.*