# Patterns vs Open Step

The clearest difference is rating: Patterns at 4.6 against Open Step's 1.0. Patterns also leads on ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Patterns sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and Open Step sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Patterns holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Patterns has 5 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Patterns ships an update every 8 days, Open Step every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Patterns | Open Step |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patterns-ocd-and-erp-journal/id6762611172/reviews)** | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/open-step-ocd-and-exposure/id6768040897/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5** | 1 |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 8 days | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 45 MB | 34 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Aftaab Siddiqui](https://appshunter.io/developer/1894832139) | [Faravaree lab](https://appshunter.io/developer/1732439357) |

## What reviewers say

### Patterns

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patterns-ocd-and-erp-journal/id6762611172)

A private journaling app designed to help users understand and track their obsessive-compulsive patterns. Record thoughts, log obsessions and compulsions, and visualize trends over time in a secure, local-first environment.

**Highlights:** Daily journaling, OCD tracking (obsessions, compulsions, responses), Distress trend insights, Private, local-first storage, App lock (Face ID, Touch ID, passcode), Exportable PDF reports, JSON backup and import

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Medium tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Large tip | $9.99 | one-time |
| Patterns Pro | $19.99 | one-time |


### Open Step

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/open-step-ocd-and-exposure/id6768040897)

This app provides a self-guided therapeutic experience for individuals managing OCD. It utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles, including an exposure ladder, AI-powered cognitive reframing, and structured practice sessions to help users track progress and build resilience.

**Highlights:** 22-Step Exposure Ladder, AI-Powered Cognitive Reframing, Daily Affirmations, Structured Practice Sessions, Growth Journal, Daily Check-Ins

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| OpenStep Pro — Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium Weekly Access | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| OpenStep Pro — Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| OpenStep Pro — Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| OpenStep Pro — Yearly (Special) | $24.99 | per year |
| OpenStep Pro — Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| OpenStep Pro — Yearly | $47.99 | per year |
| OpenStep Pro — Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $119.99 | per year |
| AI Recovery Report | $24.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Patterns free?

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

### Is Open Step free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Patterns or Open Step?

Patterns is rated higher. Patterns averages 4.6 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Open Step averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Patterns or Open Step have ads?

Open Step shows ads; Patterns does not.

### Which is updated more often, Patterns or Open Step?

Patterns ships an update every 8 days, and Open Step every 5 days. Most recently, Patterns was updated on October 31, 2026 and Open Step on November 5, 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.*