# Freedom vs BePresent

The clearest difference is monetization model: BePresent at free with in-app purchases against Freedom's subscription. BePresent also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.5) and ratings volume (71K vs 6.1K). Freedom's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, review sentiment, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Freedom sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month and BePresent sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

BePresent holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BePresent has 71K ratings behind it against 6.1K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of Freedom's written reviews are positive against 69% of BePresent's.

Freedom ships an update every 2 weeks, BePresent every 5 days. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Freedom | BePresent |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (6.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/freedom-screen-time-control/id1269788228/reviews) | **[4.8 (71K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bepresent-screen-time-control/id1644737181/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 6.1K | **71K** |
| Positive reviews | 64.3% of reviews | **68.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | #192 | **#22** |
| Size | 94 MB | 106 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.1 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Eighty Percent Solutions](https://appshunter.io/developer/960372430) | [Screen Detox Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1644737183) |

## What reviewers say

### Freedom

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/freedom-screen-time-control/id1269788228)

**Currently charting:** #192 Top Grossing · Productivity (US App Store)

This app helps you block distracting apps and websites to improve focus and productivity. Schedule blocking sessions across all your devices to build better screen time habits and reclaim productive hours.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps and websites, Schedule blocking sessions, Sync across all devices, Block the internet, Locked Mode for habit commitment, Focus sounds

**Features:** Safari Extension, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $8.99 | per month |
| Freedom Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Freedom Yearly Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| Freedom Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| Freedom Forever | $199.00 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Effective at blocking distractions
- 👍 Customizable blocklists
- 🔒 Locked mode prevents bypassing
- 💡 Cross-device sync
- 👍 Helpful for productivity and focus

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent blocking, doesn't always work as expected
- 🐛 Scheduled sessions don't always start automatically
- 🐛 Buggy, crashes frequently
- 🔒 Easy to bypass by disabling VPN or deleting app
- 👎 Limited app blocking on iOS

**Reported bugs**

- Blocks unintended apps/websites
- Fails to block certain apps like Facebook, Instagram
- Doesn't work in low power mode on iOS

**Requested features**

- Allow specific app whitelisting
- Add time limit/usage tracking features
- Improve scheduling options (e.g. by day, not just time)
- Better integration with mobile OS features (e.g. iOS Screen Time)


### BePresent

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bepresent-screen-time-control/id1644737181)

**Currently charting:** #22 Top Grossing · Productivity, #51 Top Free · Productivity (US App Store)

This app helps you reclaim your time and improve your life by controlling screen usage. It combines app blocking, gamification, and social challenges with real-life rewards to motivate you to spend less time on your phone.

**Highlights:** App blocking sessions (individual, group, beast mode), Set daily goals and build streaks, Monetary stakes for exceeding limits, Compete on weekly leaderboards, Earn real-life rewards (meditation, workouts, therapy), Scrolling awareness reminders, Time tracking and daily reports

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Monthly (1-Week Free Trial) | $14.99 | per month |
| Annual (1-Week Free Trial) | $24.99 | per year |
| BePresent Pro (Annual) | $24.99 | per year |
| BePresent Pro (Annual) | $29.99 | per year |
| Annual (3-Day Free Trial) | $59.99 | per year |
| Annual (30-day Trial) | $59.99 | per year |
| Annual (1-Week Free Trial) | $59.99 | per year |
| Annual (2-week Free Trial) | $59.99 | per year |
| BePresent Pro Family (iCloud) | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Helps reduce screen time
- 👍 Gamification and rewards system
- 🤝 Ability to compete with friends
- 🕰️ Provides helpful notifications and reminders
- 💡 Innovative approach to tackling phone addiction

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent screen time tracking
- 🔒 Inability to selectively block apps
- 💰 Paywall for advanced features
- 🤖 Condescending and passive-aggressive notifications
- 🔧 Buggy and glitchy performance

**Reported bugs**

- Freezing and crashing issues
- Inaccurate screen time reporting
- Inability to restore purchases
- Persistent app blocking even after uninstallation
- Setup process getting stuck on permissions

**Requested features**

- Allow selective app blocking
- Exclude certain apps from screen time tracking
- More customization options for notifications
- Expand to iPad and other devices
- Improve overall stability and reliability


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Freedom free?

Freedom is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is BePresent free?

BePresent is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Freedom or BePresent?

BePresent is rated higher. Freedom averages 4.5 out of 5 from 6.1K ratings, while BePresent averages 4.8 from 71K ratings.

### Do Freedom or BePresent have ads?

BePresent shows ads; Freedom does not.

### Which is updated more often, Freedom or BePresent?

Freedom ships an update every 2 weeks, and BePresent every 5 days. Most recently, Freedom was updated on November 3, 2026 and BePresent on November 3, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Freedom or BePresent?

Freedom currently peaks at #192 in the App Store charts, and BePresent at #22. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*