Comparison

BetterHelp vs Tranquil

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

BetterHelp

Access professional mental health support from licensed therapists. Connect via messaging or live sessions, and join educational webinars. Find personalized guidance for various challenges.

Highlights
  • 30,000+ licensed therapists
  • Therapist matching
  • Unlimited messaging
  • Live video/phone sessions
  • Group webinars
Features
Read full description

BETTERHELP: INSURANCE OPTIONS MAY BE AVAILABLE BetterHelp makes it easy to connect with a licensed therapist online, whether you choose self-pay or explore insurance options that may be available. Where insurance options are available, eligible members may access therapy with an average copay of $23 per session.* Answer a few questions and get matched with a licensed therapist from our community of over 30,000 based on your needs, preferences, and location. ------------------------------------------- WHY BETTERHELP? ------------------------------------------- • Insurance options now available • Average copay of $23 per session for eligible members • Over 30,000 licensed, accredited, and experienced therapists • Match with a therapist based on your needs, preferences, and location • Message your therapist anytime • Schedule weekly live video or phone sessions • Access educational group webinars • Choose self-pay or explore insurance options that may be available PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT, TAILORED TO YOU Finding the right therapist can make a meaningful difference. BetterHelp matches you with a licensed therapist who understands where you are and where you want to go. You can message your therapist anytime and schedule live sessions from wherever you are, online. (Please note: when using insurance, certain BetterHelp features may be limited or unavailable, including chat-based sessions, groups/classes, and select self-help tools.) LICENSED AND TRAINED THERAPISTS BetterHelp therapists are licensed professionals with at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience. Our network includes psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, and other similarly credentialed providers. All of our therapists hold a Master’s Degree or a Doctoral Degree in their respective fields and have been qualified and certified by their state professional board, having completed the necessary education, exams, training, and practice. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? BetterHelp now offers more payment options, including insurance options that may be available. Insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members have an average copay of $23 per session. Not using insurance? Individual self-pay plans typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed every 4 weeks, and may vary based on location, preferences, therapist availability, and available discounts. Self-pay memberships include in-app messaging and a weekly live session, and you can cancel at any time."

About

Tranquil

Features
Read full description

Tranquil turns your iPhone into a bedside sound machine. It looks and works like the real thing: turn the dial to pick a sound, press the big button in the middle to play, and use the large buttons on the front for volume and the sleep timer. No menus to learn, no accounts to create, and no ads. Just press play and rest. SIMPLE TO USE • One big button to start and stop the sound • Large Quieter and Louder buttons • Clear, easy-to-read text • Remembers your favorite sound and volume for next time TEN SOOTHING SOUNDS • White Noise • Brown Noise • Pink Noise • Light Rain • Heavy Rain • Rain on Window • Ocean Waves • Box Fan • Ceiling Fan • Womb Sounds, to help settle babies Swipe sideways to turn the dial, or tap any sound to play it. The light ring glows in a different color for each kind of sound. Every sound plays at the same volume, and changing sounds fades gently from one to the next, so switching won't startle a sleeping baby. SLEEP TIMER Press the Timer button to choose 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours or 8 hours. A light on the front shows which one is on. When time is up, the sound fades out gently instead of stopping suddenly. PLAYS ALL NIGHT • Sounds play continuously until you stop them or the timer ends • Keeps playing when your screen is locked • Start and stop from the Lock Screen or Control Center • Works without an internet connection PRIVATE BY DESIGN Tranquil doesn't collect any information about you. There's nothing to sign up for and nothing to buy. GOOD FOR • Falling asleep and staying asleep • Masking snoring, traffic and noisy neighbors • Helping babies and children settle • Naps, reading and quiet time Questions or ideas? Email kittiphongxayasane@gmail.com. We read every message. Sleep well.

Screenshots

BetterHelp4 screens
Tranquil4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: BetterHelp at none against Tranquil's 4. BetterHelp also leads on chart position (#64 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.0). Tranquil's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs monthly). On price, ads 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. Tranquil sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. BetterHelp asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

BetterHelp ships an update monthly, Tranquil every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
BetterHelp versus Tranquil: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBetterHelpTranquil
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (150K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews80.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings150K — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 3 days — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationSubscription—
Best chart rank#64 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size34 MB8 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperBetterHelpKittiphong Xayasane

Bugs and requests

BetterHelp

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • App crashes and freezes
  • Video call disconnections
  • Billing and subscription issues

Requested features

5 requests
  • More affordable pricing options
  • Availability of therapists in different time zones
  • Easier process for switching therapists
  • Improved video call and app stability
  • Better screening and training for therapists

Tranquil

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

BetterHelp

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

Tranquil

One-time4
  • 1 AI Sound Credit$0.99
  • 5 AI Sound Credits$2.99
  • Premium Unlock$3.99
Show 1 more
  • 10 AI Sound Credits$4.99

Questions

Is BetterHelp free?
BetterHelp is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Tranquil free?
Tranquil is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do BetterHelp or Tranquil have ads?
Both BetterHelp and Tranquil show ads.
Which is updated more often, BetterHelp or Tranquil?
BetterHelp ships an update monthly, and Tranquil every 3 days. Most recently, BetterHelp was updated on October 28, 2026 and Tranquil on October 24, 2026.

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