Head-to-head

Mantra vs I am

Mantra 4.8★ · Free + IAP 85

Winner Mantra

I am 4.8★ · Free to download 70

Mantra offers a more customizable and aesthetically pleasing experience with diverse affirmations and background options, while 'I am' is a strong alternative for those prioritizing a fully free experience, though its content quality is not directly reviewed here.

Full reviews: Mantra · I am

Mantra excels in customization, offering users the ability to personalize themes, backgrounds, and even record their own affirmations, which users find highly effective. While 'I am' is mentioned as a better free alternative by some Mantra users, there are no direct reviews for 'I am' to compare its features and user experience.

Head to head

Features and Content edge: Mantra^R3^R4^R5^R16

Mantra Mantra offers a variety of affirmations, background music, and aesthetic customization options, including the ability to upload custom backgrounds and choose fonts ^R5^R16. Users appreciate the 'album feature' for organizing affirmations and the option to record affirmations in their own voice ^R16^R47. Some users, however, note that content can become repetitive or uninspiring without a premium subscription ^R3^R26.

I am There are no direct reviews for 'I am' describing its features or content. One Mantra user simply states 'I am app BETTER' in relation to locked features in Mantra ^R4.

Ease of Use and Customization edge: Mantra^R16^R37^R40^R43

Mantra Mantra is described as easy to use and not too intrusive ^R40. Users appreciate features like widgets for lock and home screens, push notifications, and the ability to set daily reminders ^R37^R43. Customization options like choosing music, backgrounds, and recording personal affirmations are highly valued ^R16^R47. However, one user reported a glitch where custom categories wouldn't save ^R40.

I am There are no direct reviews for 'I am' regarding its ease of use or customization.

Reliability and Performance tie^R6^R29^R37

Mantra Mantra generally functions as advertised ^R37. One user noted an improvement in being able to listen to daily affirmations without selecting the speaker every time ^R29. However, a significant issue reported is an unexpected charge for a yearly subscription after selecting a weekly option, with no clear way to manage subscriptions within the app ^R6.

I am There are no direct reviews for 'I am' regarding its reliability or performance.

Price and Value tie^R4^R6^R11^R22

Mantra Mantra is a free app with in-app purchases, and many users express frustration over the number of features locked behind a subscription ^R4^R11^R22^R26. Some feel the app is not worth its $30 yearly charge, especially when unexpected charges occur ^R6. Others find it cost-accessible and worth the payment for the full experience ^R22^R43.

I am 'I am' is free to download, and one Mantra user implies it's a better alternative due to Mantra's locked features ^R4. There is no information on 'I am's' pricing model or perceived value from its own users.

Support tie^R6

Mantra One user reported emailing Mantra's support regarding an incorrect charge but did not state whether the issue was resolved ^R6. There is no further information on customer support experiences.

I am There are no direct reviews for 'I am' regarding its customer support.

Pick Mantra if

You are looking for an affirmation app with extensive customization, including the ability to upload your own backgrounds, choose fonts, and record affirmations in your own voice ^R5^R16^R47. You value aesthetically pleasing design and diverse, non-cheesy affirmations for various life areas ^R16. You are willing to pay for a premium subscription to unlock all features and avoid content repetition ^R22^R26.

Pick I am if

You are seeking a completely free affirmation experience and are put off by in-app purchases or locked features in other apps ^R4. You are looking for an alternative to Mantra, specifically mentioned by a user who found 'I am' to be better ^R4.

Evidence note: The comparison is heavily weighted towards Mantra due to the availability of detailed user reviews. There are no direct reviews for 'I am' to provide a balanced perspective on its features, usability, or user satisfaction. The only mention of 'I am' comes from a Mantra user comparing it favorably in terms of free access.

Frequently asked

What are the main benefits of using Mantra?

Mantra helps users cultivate a positive mindset, provides daily motivation, and assists with self-love and managing negative self-talk, with many finding its affirmations uplifting and effective ^R2^R10^R15^R22. Users appreciate its customizable features, such as background music, visual themes, and the option to record personal affirmations, making the experience more personal and engaging ^R5^R16^R47.

Are there any issues with Mantra's subscription or pricing?

Yes, some Mantra users report frustration with many features being locked behind a subscription, leading to repetitive content for free users ^R4^R11^R26. A significant concern raised is an unexpected charge for a yearly subscription (around $30) after a user explicitly selected a weekly option, with no clear way to manage subscriptions within the app ^R6.

How does Mantra compare to 'I am'?

Based on the available reviews, Mantra offers a rich, customizable experience with diverse affirmations, background options, and personal recording features, which many users find highly beneficial ^R5^R16^R47. 'I am' is mentioned by one Mantra user as being 'BETTER' due to Mantra's locked features, suggesting 'I am' might offer more free content, but there are no direct reviews for 'I am' to detail its specific advantages or user experience ^R4.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 50 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

[R3] Mantra 3/5 · US Good: At the beginning i started receiving good daily mantras , very inspiring and very helpful, but later it was just a a simple sentence with no inspiration
[R4] Mantra 1/5 · US I am app BETTER: Basically every single option on this app is locked I think you can get random affirmations during
[R5] Mantra 4/5 · US Love it but a few suggestions!: So far I’m really liking it! I do wish there was more customization with the theme. Like a color wheel and being able to upload your own background! And if you could choose a different font for the lockscreen version. I also would like to see less ai art used as covers for the sessions :( Other than those qualms, I anticipate subscribing after my free trial!
[R16] Mantra 5/5 · US Favorite affirmation app!!!: I've tried other affirmation apps & this is my favorite by far. It's aesthetically pleasing, the affirmations are realistic & genuinely make me feel good day to day. I love the album feature where you can organize the ones you like. I love the music option & all the pretty backdrops. 10/10 app (
[R37] Mantra 5/5 · US Simple and Effective: I've used Mantra for about three years now, if you're a spiritual person or even just someone who likes little reminders of positivity I highly recommend. I add the widgets to my lock screen and home screen and speak them everytime they pop up! The app functions exactly as advertised and that's so rare I had to write a review about it!
[R40] Mantra 4/5 · US Liking it so far: I’m liking the app so far, it’s easy to use and not too intrusive. Only glitch so far, is every time I make a category, it doesn’t save it, so that’s kind of frustrating. I’m not sure why it’s doing that.
[R43] Mantra 5/5 · US Best spontaneous download I made (and actually kept).: I honestly love this app so much. I love the widget on my home screen and love the push notifications. Thank you for making it simple and cost-accessible!
[R6] Mantra 1/5 · US Took my money need refund: I signed up for a 1 week basis to see if I like this ap. It was cool and brought positive reminders, however, I had an unexpected charge yesterday for 32$. This app is not worth 30$ and I didn’t even select the yearly option I specifically selected the week and they decided to charge me For the year. On the app there is also not a way to manage your subscriptions that I
[R29] Mantra 4/5 · US This app has in improved!: This app is so much better now that I can listen to my daily affirmations and not have to select the speaker every single time so I don’t get an automated AI voice. Get this app use it use it every day. Set the reminder, use it daily, an after two months I guarantee you’ll see results in the way you handle yourself. My next wish list item for this app… create a calendar
[R11] Mantra 4/5 · US I love mantra but: I don’t like how many things you need a subscription for
[R22] Mantra 4/5 · US An awesome app with some cons: Don’t get me wrong, it really helps with my mental heath and negative-self talk! But you have to pay extra for some priorities but you can use the app without payment, just you don’t get the same privileges as people who pay. I’m not sure if the app does this without payment but it gives me an affirmation everyday( cause I payed for it) but in general it’s a very go
[R2] Mantra 4/5 · US Love: I love this so much sometimes I feel sad or mad and I listen to this it helps me feel better
[R10] Mantra 5/5 · US Mantra: This is honestly great. If you set your mind to wanting the affirmations and using them to boost your mindset you will genuinely feel better
[R15] Mantra 5/5 · US Positive mindset tool: Mantra has been a great tool to stay in a positive mindset and start my day with motivating affirmations. Highly recommend if you are needing some extra reminders of the identity you have already chosen.
[R26] Mantra 4/5 · US Could be better: Uses same quotes over and over again, doesn’t let you get any other quotes without buying premium. Other than that, good app. Great for people who like repetitiveness and hate spending money. Seriously though, i like it.
[R47] Mantra 5/5 · US Simple yet Effective: I love how you can record affirmations in your own voice. Plus the options of sessions that relate to different goals with the ability to customize music and backgrounds make it extra special.

Synthesized from 50 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store