Solo Era and SocialMax help with social confidence at different moments. SocialMax is an AI companion, an owl named Max, that helps in the moment with CBT and ACT techniques, Event Prep and SOS. Solo Era is an iPhone app for practising doing things alone over weeks, with weekly missions and before-and-after nervousness ratings. Choose SocialMax for quick help before or during a situation. Choose Solo Era for structured, solo practice over time.
The short version
| Solo Era | SocialMax | |
|---|---|---|
| Core idea | Practise doing things alone, in small steps | AI companion for in-the-moment social help |
| Developer | Gian Hagmann | James Montgomery |
| Platforms (listing) | iPhone | iPhone, iPad |
| Technique | Graded real-world missions | CBT and ACT techniques (per listing) |
| AI | None | Yes, companion "Max" |
| Pricing | Free download, subscription required to start missions; any trial depends on offer and eligibility | Free to download; in-app purchases: Monthly $9.99, annual $79.99 or lifetime $159.99 (US App Store, checked 2026-10-21, source); prices vary by region |
| Progress | Before-and-after nervousness ratings, XP, weekly streak | Not compared |
| Journal | Photo and notes per mission | Not compared here |
SocialMax facts come from its App Store listing, checked on 2026-10-21. We omitted anything we could not check against an official page.
What SocialMax does well
SocialMax targets a very specific moment: you are about to walk into something and feel unprepared. Event Prep offers conversation starters for parties, meetings and dates. SOS offers a talking point, an exit strategy and a breathing exercise when things feel tight. Having an exit plan and a few words ready can make an event feel more manageable. It works on iPhone and iPad, and the listing says it is free to download. If your main need is support in the moment, it is built for that.
What Solo Era does differently
Solo Era is not a companion you chat with. It is a set of real-world practice steps. Each week brings a mission ticket, and you can write custom missions. Missions come in seven categories (food, movement, culture, travel, everyday, solitude and people) and five difficulty levels, level 1 being the gentlest.
Examples: "Ask for a taste at a deli or cheese counter, then buy some" (food, level 1). "Spend an afternoon in a museum, alone" (culture, level 3). "Ask a staff member one genuine question" (people, level 1). You rate how nervous you felt before and after each mission, and progress plots those ratings over months with XP and a weekly streak. A photo journal holds a note and picture per mission, and you share only when you choose. Screens in our materials show example data.
Solo Era has no AI, matching or social network, and it is iPhone only. It is not therapy or medical care.
Solo Era for iPhone
Try it with Solo Era
Solo Era gives you one realistic mission a week, records how nervous you felt before and after, and keeps a photo journal of what you did. An iPhone app. A subscription is required to start missions; any free trial depends on the offer and eligibility shown in the app.
Which fits you?
| If you want to... | Better fit |
|---|---|
| Get conversation starters before an event | SocialMax |
| Have an exit plan and breathing prompt in the moment | SocialMax |
| Use an iPad | SocialMax (per listing) |
| Practise being out alone in graded steps | Solo Era |
| See nervousness change across weeks | Solo Era |
| Keep a photo journal of what you did | Solo Era |
Two example weeks
Imagine you have a work dinner on Thursday and you dread making conversation with people you barely know. With SocialMax, the listing's Event Prep feature is the obvious fit: you would use it beforehand for conversation starters and keep SOS in mind in case you want an exit strategy or a breathing exercise during the evening. The help is concentrated around one event.
Now imagine the dread is not one dinner but a general reluctance to do things on your own: eating out, going to the cinema, walking into a shop to ask a question. Here the need is ongoing. In Solo Era you would take the weekly mission, perhaps a level 1 step such as "Ask a staff member one genuine question", rate how nervous you feel before, do it, and rate again. The point is to see, on your own numbers, that the outing was easier than predicted, and then try a level 2 step the following week.
Questions to ask before choosing
- Is my problem one event or a pattern? One event points to SocialMax's preparation tools. A pattern of avoiding solo situations points to gradual practice.
- Do I want to talk to an AI? SocialMax is built around a companion. If that appeals, it is a feature. If it does not, Solo Era has none.
- Do I need an iPad version? Only SocialMax lists iPad, per its App Store listing.
- Will I actually go outside? Solo Era only works if you do the missions in real life. If that feels like too big a jump, start with the free comfort zone quiz to see where your edges are.
- Am I looking for treatment? Neither app is therapy. If anxiety is severe, see a professional first and use apps as a supplement.
Using both
The two do not overlap much. You might use Solo Era's weekly mission to build comfort steadily, and keep SocialMax for the day you have a party or meeting you are dreading. If you only want one, ask whether your need is acute (the next event) or ongoing (comfort over time).
You can also prepare for free. The what to say tool gives ideas for common situations without sign-up, and our guide to overcoming social anxiety explains practical steps and when to seek professional help.
How we compared
We read the App Store listing on 2026-10-21 and used only what it says. We did not test SocialMax beyond that, so we make no claims about the quality of its AI, ratings or user numbers. We make Solo Era, so double-check anything important on the stores.
For more options, see SocialMax alternatives and apps for social anxiety.
A note on seeking help
Both apps are self-help tools. They do not diagnose or treat anything. If anxiety is severe, constant or affecting daily life, please speak to a doctor or licensed mental health professional.
Last checked: 2026-10-21. Facts about other apps come from their official sites and App Store listings and can change, so confirm current details before you decide.
FAQ
Is Solo Era an AI app like SocialMax?
No. Solo Era has no AI features. It gives you weekly solo missions, nervousness ratings and a photo journal.
Which is better for social anxiety?
Neither treats social anxiety. SocialMax gives in-the-moment support using CBT and ACT techniques, per its listing. Solo Era gives gradual real-world practice. If anxiety is severe, a professional can help.
Can I use Solo Era on iPad?
Solo Era is an iPhone app. SocialMax lists iPhone and iPad.
How much do they cost?
SocialMax is free to download, with in-app purchases listed as monthly $9.99, annual $79.99 or lifetime $159.99 (US App Store, checked 2026-10-21, source). Prices vary by region. Solo Era is free to download, and a subscription is required to start missions. Any free trial depends on offer and eligibility, shown in the app.
Do they work together?
Yes. SocialMax can help right before or during an event, while Solo Era builds comfort through practice between events.
Solo Era for iPhone
Try it with Solo Era
Solo Era gives you one realistic mission a week, records how nervous you felt before and after, and keeps a photo journal of what you did. An iPhone app. A subscription is required to start missions; any free trial depends on the offer and eligibility shown in the app.
