# Opal vs Blank Spaces Launcher

The clearest difference is monetization model: Opal at free with in-app purchases against Blank Spaces Launcher's subscription. Opal also leads on review sentiment (62% vs 27%) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 weeks). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Opal sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Blank Spaces Launcher sells 15 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 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 — 4.7 for Opal against 4.6 for Blank Spaces Launcher. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Opal has 90K ratings behind it against 8.5K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 62% of Opal's written reviews are positive against 27% of Blank Spaces Launcher's.

Opal ships an update every 5 days, Blank Spaces Launcher every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Opal | Blank Spaces Launcher |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (90K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/opal-screen-time-control/id1497465230/reviews)** | [4.6 (8.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blank-spaces-launcher/id1570856853/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **90K** | 8.5K |
| Positive reviews | **61.5% of reviews** | 27.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#42** | #118 |
| Size | 306 MB | 164 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Opal OS](https://appshunter.io/developer/1497465229) | [Ecstasis LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1543620595) |

## What reviewers say

### Opal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/opal-screen-time-control/id1497465230)

**Currently charting:** #42 Top Grossing · Productivity, #81 Top Free · Productivity (US App Store)

This app helps you regain control of your digital life by limiting app usage, blocking distractions, and improving focus. It provides tools and insights to reduce screen time, boost productivity, and enhance well-being.

**Highlights:** Screen time control, App blocker, Set app limits, Focus modes, Productivity reports, Block apps and websites, Mindful block screens

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Plan | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Opal Student Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Plan | $19.99 | per month |
| Monthly Plan | $19.99 | per month |
| Opal Pro Subscription | $49.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $69.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $89.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $99.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $99.99 | per year |
| Opal Pro Yearly | $99.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $129.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $179.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helps reduce screen time
- 🚀 Effective at blocking distracting apps
- 💡 Customizable blocking schedules
- 🎨 Aesthetically pleasing design
- 🔒 Difficult to bypass blocks

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🐛 Buggy and unreliable at times
- 🔓 Easy to bypass blocks in some cases
- 🤯 Can be frustrating when blocks don't work as expected
- 🕰️ Longer wait times to take breaks

**Reported bugs**

- Blocks apps that are not selected
- Inconsistent behavior when ending focus sessions
- Crashes when trying to manage blocked apps
- VPN issues causing other connectivity problems

**Requested features**

- Allow more customization of blocked apps
- Integrate with more productivity tools
- Provide more granular time tracking and reporting
- Offer a one-time purchase option
- Improve stability and reduce bugs


### Blank Spaces Launcher

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blank-spaces-launcher/id1570856853)

**Currently charting:** #118 Top Grossing · Productivity, #124 Top Free · Productivity (US App Store)

This app transforms your smartphone into a minimalist tool by decluttering your home screen. It removes distracting badges and icons, allowing you to focus on essential apps and regain control of your attention. Designed for simplicity and privacy, it helps you use your phone intentionally.

**Highlights:** Simplified home screen widget, Mutes badges and app icons, Focus on essential apps, Intuitive and easy to use, Privacy-focused design, 7-day free trial

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

**In-app purchases (15)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Week | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Month | $3.99 | per month |
| 1 Month | $3.99 | per month |
| 1 Month | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly Plan | $7.99 | per month |
| 12 Months | $17.99 | per year |
| Special Offer (1 Year) | $18.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $24.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Subscription (Reward) | Free | one-time |
| Blank Lifetime Subscription | $11.99 | one-time |
| Blank Lifetime Subscription | $23.99 | one-time |
| Blank Lifetime Subscription | $24.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Plan | $29.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Plan | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Reduced screen time and digital distractions
- 👍 Minimalist and clean home screen design
- 🔒 Helps with digital detox and focus
- 💡 Useful for college students and those with ADHD
- 👍 Customizable widgets and backgrounds

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy performance and glitches
- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🤔 Confusing setup process
- 🔍 Limited app support and integration
- 🕰️ Slow app opening times

**Reported bugs**

- Widgets not showing up or disappearing
- Inconsistent behavior when adding/removing apps
- Shortcuts not working as expected
- Wallpaper customization issues
- App crashing or freezing during setup

**Requested features**

- Add more supported apps, including default iOS apps
- Allow custom shortcuts without going through Shortcuts app
- Improve widget customization options
- Provide a free or one-time purchase version
- Add ability to rename app labels in widgets


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Opal free?

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

### Is Blank Spaces Launcher free?

Blank Spaces Launcher is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Opal or Blank Spaces Launcher?

Opal is rated higher. Opal averages 4.7 out of 5 from 90K ratings, while Blank Spaces Launcher averages 4.6 from 8.5K ratings.

### Do Opal or Blank Spaces Launcher have ads?

Neither Opal nor Blank Spaces Launcher shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Opal or Blank Spaces Launcher?

Opal ships an update every 5 days, and Blank Spaces Launcher every 2 weeks. Most recently, Opal was updated on October 22, 2026 and Blank Spaces Launcher on October 21, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Opal or Blank Spaces Launcher?

Opal currently peaks at #42 in the App Store charts, and Blank Spaces Launcher at #118. 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.*