Comparison

Freedom vs Screen Time Control

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

Head to head
About

Freedom

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
Read full description

Block distracting apps and websites so you can focus, be more productive, and build better screen time habits. We've built the world's best app and website blocker, trusted by over 3 million individuals and teams to deliver focused attention for the things that matter most. During a Freedom session, when you attempt to open an app or website on your blocklist, Freedom blocks the app from opening and displays a peaceful green screen - reminding you that you're currently free of that distraction. Freedom users report gaining an average of 2.5 hours of productive time every day. They're more fulfilled, happier with work and family life, and have a healthier relationship with their technology. Schedule a Freedom app blocking session to start automatically when you need it – for complete, seamless control over distractions. Because Freedom works across all your devices, you'll feel confident knowing you're in complete control. We call it mindful productivity. There's no limit to the number of devices (including phones, tablets, and computers) you can connect to Freedom, so you can block apps and websites regardless of where you are or what you're doing. You'll stay focused, productive, and distraction-free. "Our favorite distraction-killing app blocker." – Lifehacker "One antidote to the always-on life is Freedom…" – Time Magazine "As Freedom shows, the solution to the problems created by technology isn't anti-technology, but more and better technology." – Huffington Post "Freedom has garnered celeb fans like Dave Eggers, Nick Hornby, Seth Godin, and Nora Ephron." – Mashable PEACE OF MIND - COVER EVERY DEVICE - For one price, Freedom covers all your devices (phones, tablets, and computers) with our powerful distraction-blocking technology. TURN OFF THE NOISE - BLOCK APPS and WEBSITES - Block distracting apps and websites for as long as you want. Select from a pre-made blocklist or create a custom blocklist of your time-consuming distractions. EXPERIENCE TOTAL PEACE - BLOCK THE INTERNET - Block the internet with a single button. Enjoy peace, quiet, and focus, away from all distractions. Freedom won't block important texts or calls, so you can enjoy offline time knowing you can be reached if need be! SMART COVERAGE - SYNC ACROSS YOUR DEVICES - Distractions aren't limited to your phone! Sync block sessions to your phones, tablets, and computers. There's no limit to the number of devices you can use. CREATE GOOD HABITS - USE POWERFUL SCHEDULING - Schedule your blocks now, later, or create recurring blocks to help make focus and productivity a habit. LOCKED MODE - Use Locked Mode to commit to breaking bad digital habits and addictions. FOCUS SOUNDS - Free audio tracks give you an assortment of music, café, office, and nature sounds to help you stay focused and productive, no matter where you are. We're excited about helping you be the best version of yourself. We're continually building new tools - and they're always included in your subscription. We've also got a great Perks program which offers discounts on top productivity products. SUBSCRIPTION PRICING AND TERMS We’re confident that you’ll love Freedom, but just so you can be sure, we offer a 7-day free trial of Freedom Premium. After that it’s only $39.99 per year. Many Freedom users tell us it pays for itself within a few days! These prices are for United States customers. Pricing in other countries may vary and actual charges may be converted to your local currency depending on the country of residence. Your Freedom subscription will automatically renew at the end of each term and your credit card will be charged through your iTunes account. Your subscription will automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can turn off auto-renew at any time from your iTunes account settings. Terms and Conditions - https://freedom.to/terms Privacy Policy - https://freedom.to/privacy Thank you!

About

Screen Time Control

Take control of your digital life with this powerful screen time manager and app blocker. Set limits, block distractions, and build healthier habits to reclaim your time and improve focus.

Highlights
  • Limit screen time
  • Block distracting apps and websites
  • Create distraction-free focus sessions
  • Structure day with focused intervals
  • Track screen time usage and progress
  • Temporarily relax restrictions
Features
Read full description

Take control of your screen time. Stay focused. Get your time back. Focus Mate is a powerful Screen Time Control and App Blocker designed to help you limit screen time, block distractions, and build healthier digital habits — without sacrificing privacy. The average person spends more than 5 hours per day on their phone, often without realizing it. Focus Mate helps you break that cycle with smart app limits, focus modes, and automatic app blocking. With Focus Mate, you can: • Limit screen time on distracting apps • Block apps and websites automatically • Stay focused during work, study, or deep concentration • Build consistent routines and mindful phone habits BENEFITS • Reduce screen time and digital distraction • Improve focus and productivity • Support digital detox and mindful usage • Stay in control instead of reacting to notifications Designed for students, professionals, creators, and anyone who wants to use their iPhone more intentionally. FEATURES • Screen Time Control Set daily app limits and automatically block apps when limits are reached. • App Blocker Block specific apps and websites during focus sessions or scheduled routines. • Focus Zone Create distraction-free sessions by selecting exactly which apps should be blocked. • Deep Focus Maximum protection that prevents bypassing or disabling blocks until the session ends. • Focus Time Structure your day with focused intervals to boost productivity. • Free Time Temporarily relax restrictions when flexibility is needed. • Usage Insights Track your screen time behavior and monitor progress over time. PRIVATE & SECURE Focus Mate uses Apple’s official Screen Time API to manage app usage securely. • No accounts required • No tracking • No data leaving your device Your screen time data stays private and on your iPhone. Take back control of your time. Use your phone with intention — not distraction. Privacy Policy: https://adappssoftware.com/privacy/ Terms of Use: https://adappssoftware.com/terms-conditions/

Screenshots

Freedom4 screens
Screen Time Control4 screens

Verdict

The call

Freedom and Screen Time Control both sit at 4.4 stars, but that hides the real split: 64% of Freedom's written reviews are positive against 0% of Screen Time Control's. Freedom also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (5.9K vs 20). Screen Time Control's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription). On price, rating, in-app purchases 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. Freedom sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month and Screen Time Control sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.4 for Freedom against 4.3 for Screen Time Control. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Freedom has 5.9K ratings behind it against 20, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 64% of Freedom's written reviews are positive against 0% of Screen Time Control's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Freedom ships an update every 9 days, Screen Time Control every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Freedom versus Screen Time Control: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFreedomScreen Time Control
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (5.9K ratings) — better4.3 (20 ratings)
Positive reviews63.6% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings5.9K — better20
Update frequencyEvery 9 days — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationSubscriptionFree with in-app purchases — better
Best chart rank#182 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.116.1
Further details — not scored
Size90 MB56 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEighty Percent SolutionsADAPPS SOFTWARE

Customer experience

Freedom

All ratings5,878 ratings
Positive85.3%
Neutral3.1%
Negative11.7%
Written reviews1,328 reviews
Positive63.6%
Neutral7.8%
Negative28.7%

Screen Time Control

All ratings20 ratings
Positive85.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative15.0%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Bugs and requests

Freedom

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

4 requests
  • 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)

Screen Time Control

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

6 purchases

Freedom

Subscriptions5
  • Monthly Subscription$8.991 Month
  • Freedom Monthly$12.991 Month
  • Freedom Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$39.991 Year
Show 2 more
  • Yearly Subscription1 Year trial$39.991 Year
  • Freedom Yearly7 Days trial$59.991 Year
One-time1
  • Freedom Forever$199.00
5 purchases

Screen Time Control

Subscriptions5
  • Weekly Premium$2.997 Days
  • Trial Weekly Premium3 Days trial$2.997 Days
  • 3 Day Free3 Days trial$12.991 Month
Show 2 more
  • Annual Premium$34.991 Year
  • 1 Week Free7 Days trial$34.991 Year

Questions

Is Freedom free?
Freedom is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Screen Time Control free?
Screen Time Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Freedom or Screen Time Control?
Freedom is rated higher. Freedom averages 4.4 out of 5 from 5.9K ratings, while Screen Time Control averages 4.3 from 20 ratings.
Do Freedom or Screen Time Control have ads?
Screen Time Control shows ads; Freedom does not.
Which is updated more often, Freedom or Screen Time Control?
Freedom ships an update every 9 days, and Screen Time Control every 2 months. Most recently, Freedom was updated on September 24, 2026 and Screen Time Control on September 21, 2026.

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