# Hermes Decode vs LUX

The clearest difference is device support: Hermes Decode at 3 against LUX's 1. Hermes Decode also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Hermes Decode sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and LUX sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $32.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Hermes Decode ships an update every 11 days, LUX every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Hermes Decode | LUX |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lux-shadow-work-journal/id6770794517/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **5** |
| Positive reviews | — | 75.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 11 days | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 69 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Diego Petkoff Azcuna](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895236314) | [Cole Alkire](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896763692) |

## What reviewers say

### Hermes Decode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hermes-decode/id6763257761)

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Adept | $6.99 | per month |
| Magus | $17.99 | per month |
| Adept (Annual) | $49.99 | per year |
| Magus (Annual) | $149.99 | per year |


### LUX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lux-shadow-work-journal/id6770794517)

This app analyzes your writing to reveal your core identity through a single word and detailed reading. It offers a private, anonymous experience focused on self-discovery without quizzes or algorithms. Unlock deeper insights and features with an optional subscription.

**Highlights:** Writing-based identity analysis, Single-word core identity reveal, Detailed personal readings, Private, device-local mode, Anonymous experience, Optional Pro subscription for advanced features

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| LUX Pro | $32.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hermes Decode free?

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

### Is LUX free?

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

### Do Hermes Decode or LUX have ads?

Neither Hermes Decode nor LUX shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Hermes Decode or LUX?

Hermes Decode ships an update every 11 days, and LUX every 9 days. Most recently, Hermes Decode was updated on September 19, 2026 and LUX on September 13, 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.*