# Pocket Buddha vs Ulysses

The clearest difference is price: Pocket Buddha at Free against Ulysses's $4.99. Pocket Buddha also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). Ulysses's advantage is device support (5 vs 2). On ads there is nothing between them.

Pocket Buddha is free to download; Ulysses costs $4.99 up front. Ulysses sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Pocket Buddha asks for nothing beyond the download.

Pocket Buddha ships an update every 3 weeks, Ulysses every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pocket Buddha | Ulysses |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $4.99 |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ulysses/id6789352921/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | — | Paid |
| Size | 28 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dylan Clauson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1844377131) | [Hessam Zahedi](https://appshunter.io/developer/6785146214) |

## What reviewers say

### Pocket Buddha

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocket-buddha-ai-mindfulness/id6771197784)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Ulysses

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ulysses/id6789352921)

This journal app helps you build self-control by reflecting on daily temptations and the strategies used to overcome them. It offers guided breathing exercises and insights into what works for you, without any pressure of streaks.

**Highlights:** Nightly self-control journaling, Guided breathing exercises, Insight into effective strategies, No streak tracking, Cultural ropes exploration, Apple Watch integration, iCloud sync

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tip — A coil of rope | $2.99 | one-time |
| Tip — A new sail | $6.99 | one-time |
| A ship for the fleet | $14.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pocket Buddha free?

Pocket Buddha is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Ulysses free?

Ulysses costs $4.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Do Pocket Buddha or Ulysses have ads?

Neither Pocket Buddha nor Ulysses shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pocket Buddha or Ulysses?

Pocket Buddha ships an update every 3 weeks, and Ulysses every 2 months. Most recently, Pocket Buddha was updated on November 5, 2026 and Ulysses on November 2, 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.*