Shared Steps vs AppClose
AppClose is a widely used co-parenting app with every feature in every plan and a long free trial. Shared Steps is a UK app for families after mediation, with one price for both parents. Here's how they compare.
What the two of you pay
Shared StepsOne price per family
- Monthly
- £7.99a month for the whole family
- Yearly
- £69.99a year for the whole family
Free to try
AppCloseCharged per parent
- Monthly
- £11.98a month for two: £5.99 each on the web, £8.99 each in the app
- Yearly
- £129.98£64.99 per parent, bought on the web
60 days free, no card needed
At a glance
- Yes:
- Partly:
- No:
- Not stated:
| Feature |  Shared Steps | AppClose |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| Price | £7.99 a month or £69.99 a year | Per parent: £5.99 a month or £64.99 a year on the web; £8.99 or £98.99 in the app |
| One subscription covers both parents | Yes: Either parent subscribes; the other is covered | No: Each parent subscribes, though you can buy your co-parent's yearly plan on the web |
| Free trial | Yes: Start with a free trial | Yes: 60 days, no card needed |
| Planning together | ||
| Shared calendar | Yes: Month, week and day views, with regular rotas | Yes: More than 15 schedule templates |
| Agreeing changes | Yes: Proposals; the calendar changes only once you both agree | Yes: Requests the other parent responds to |
| Shared costs | Yes: Log a cost with its receipt, agree it, see who owes what | Yes: Expenses and reimbursement requests; ipayou payments are US only |
| Shared documents | Yes: PDFs and photos stored privately for both parents, organised by child and type, with renewal reminders that can hold the scan | Yes: Unlimited file storage |
| Talking to each other | ||
| Messaging | Yes: Messages with replies, reactions and search | Yes: Encrypted messaging |
| Tone check before sending | Yes: A private calm check that runs on your phone and never blocks a message | Yes: Co-Parent Assist |
| Calls without sharing numbers | Yes: Voice, with video if you both switch it on; your own call hours | Yes: Audio and video, number kept private, recording with consent |
| Privacy and access | ||
| Handover check-ins | Yes: No GPS: only the update and time you choose to send | Yes: GPS check-ins |
| Access for your child | Yes: A simple read-only view of where they'll be | Yes: Child access |
| Mediators and professionals | Yes: Your mediator sees only the review requests you send | Yes: Access for professionals |
| Records and devices | ||
| Court-ready records | No: Built for day-to-day co-parenting, not for gathering evidence | Partly: Free exports; certified records are US only |
| Web app | No: iPhone and Android | Yes: Web, iPhone and Android |
| Made for UK families | Yes: Made in the UK, with UK prices | Yes: Available in the UK with prices in pounds |
Where AppClose is strong
- Every feature is in every plan, with a 60-day trial and no card needed.
- Low per-parent prices if you subscribe on the web.
- If you stop paying, your records stay readable and exports remain free.
- Audio and video calls, file storage and GPS check-ins.
Where Shared Steps is different
- One subscription covers both of you. AppClose is priced per parent, so two parents pay from £129.98 a year on the web.
- Shaped around life after mediation, with your agreement as the starting point for your plan.
- No GPS. A handover check-in only shares the update you choose to send.
- The calm check is private, runs on your phone and never blocks a message.
Which is right for you?
AppClose may suit you if
you want the longest free trial, file storage, or GPS check-ins, or your co-parent already uses it.
Shared Steps may suit you if
you've reached an agreement through mediation and want one price for the whole family and a calmer, UK-made app.
Hear when it's outQuestions
Is AppClose still free?
No. AppClose now has a 60-day free trial, after which each parent needs a subscription. If you stop paying, your account becomes read-only and you can still export your records for free.
Is Shared Steps cheaper than AppClose?
For two parents, usually. Shared Steps is £69.99 a year for the family. AppClose is priced per parent: £64.99 a year each on the web (£129.98 for two) or £98.99 each in the app.
Can I move from AppClose to Shared Steps?
There's no import from AppClose. Setting up your family in Shared Steps takes a few minutes, and AppClose says your exports stay free even after you stop paying.