# Freedom vs Screen Time Control

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Freedom | Screen Time Control |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (5.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/freedom-screen-time-control/id1269788228/reviews)** | [4.3 (20 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-focusmate/id1668064760/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5.9K** | 20 |
| Positive reviews | **63.6% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#188** | — |
| Size | 90 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.1 | 16.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Eighty Percent Solutions](https://appshunter.io/developer/960372430) | [ADAPPS SOFTWARE](https://appshunter.io/developer/1240972162) |

## What reviewers say

### Freedom

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

**Currently charting:** #188 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)


### Screen Time Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-focusmate/id1668064760)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Trial Weekly Premium | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| 3 Day Free | $12.99 | per month |
| Annual Premium | $34.99 | per year |
| 1 Week Free | $34.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*