# TimeBack vs SandBud

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TimeBack at none against SandBud's 2. TimeBack also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). SandBud's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 4 months). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SandBud sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. TimeBack asks for nothing beyond the download.

TimeBack ships an update every 4 months, SandBud weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TimeBack | SandBud |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.9 (30 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandbud-focus-app-blocker/id6550890951/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **30** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 36 MB | 281 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SimpleTrend SRL](https://appshunter.io/developer/1487943945) | [Sean Kuannery Media, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1757730721) |

## What reviewers say

### TimeBack

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timeback-the-tracker/id1487943946)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### SandBud

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandbud-focus-app-blocker/id6550890951)

This app helps you reclaim your screen time and build focus habits by blocking distracting applications. It gamifies the process by allowing you to design a virtual zen garden with elements earned from completed focus sessions. Stay present, reduce scrolling, and cultivate mindfulness with rewarding progress tracking.

**Highlights:** Block apps with focus plans, Design a virtual zen garden, Earn rewards for focus streaks, Track daily focus progress, Enter deep focus with Zen Mode, Take timed breaks, View screen time reports

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TimeBack Premium (Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| TimeBack Premium (Yearly) | $59.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Thoughtfully designed
- 👍 Helps save from bad habits
- 👍 Blend of technology and mindfulness
- 👍 Gamified experience for reducing screen time
- 👍 Nurtures a positive habit


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TimeBack free?

TimeBack is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SandBud free?

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

### Do TimeBack or SandBud have ads?

Neither TimeBack nor SandBud shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, TimeBack or SandBud?

TimeBack ships an update every 4 months, and SandBud weekly. Most recently, TimeBack was updated on September 18, 2026 and SandBud on September 22, 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.*