Comparison

Limit Screen Time・Taskfulness vs Pixel Focus

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

Head to head
About

Limit Screen Time・Taskfulness

This app helps you regain control of your screen time by encouraging intentional usage of social media and other apps. It prompts you to set a purpose and duration before opening selected apps, and provides reminders to keep you focused. Reclaim your time and reduce mindless scrolling.

Highlights
  • Intentional app opening prompts
  • Set app usage duration
  • Mid-session intention reminders
  • Automatic app closure
  • Combats procrastination
  • Based on CBT principles
Read full description

In 2024, Oxford made “brain rot” the word of the year. The term means long, mindless scrolling on social media. But are social media really that bad? They still help us work, connect, and study. We believe the key is balance. Taskfulness helps you keep valuable interactions while limiting the doomscrolling. The results: our members save 28-36% of their screen time daily, without missing out. Want intentional screen time? Try Taskfulness free for 7 days. Built on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy principles.


 HOW IT WORKS 1. Pick an app 
 Select the apps that steal most of your time. For example, Instagram, WhatsApp, Reddit, Gmail, etc. 2. Set intention 
 Each time you open a chosen app, Taskfulness will pop up and ask: “Why do you need it?” and “For how long?”. Once you enter the reason, the app opens. 3. Stay focused* 
 Use the app for the duration you set. Mid-session, you’ll get a quick reminder of your original intention. When time’s up, the app closes automatically. 
 *works only with Reminders on WHY TASKFULNESS
 - No deleting accounts: Use social media intentionally. - Saves time: Our users reclaim an average of 28-36% or 14 hours of screen time per week. - Strong against procrastination: Combats reactiveness, time blindness, and distractions. - Built with expertise: Created by founders with ADHD, based on CBT, and approved by psychologists for effectiveness and safety. Let’s make your screen time short and focused! Taskfulness team. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Pixel Focus

Features
Read full description

BOOST YOUR PRODUCTIVITY WITH RETRO STYLE Transform your focus sessions with Pixel Focus - the Pomodoro timer that brings back the nostalgic charm of classic LED matrix displays. Experience productivity with a distinctive retro aesthetic that makes time management both effective and visually engaging. POMODORO TECHNIQUE MADE SIMPLE • Customizable focus sessions (default 25 minutes) • Short breaks (5 minutes) and long breaks (15-30 minutes) • Visual and audio notifications to keep you on track • Automatic cycle progression through work and break periods TRACK YOUR PROGRESS • Session history with detailed statistics • Visual charts showing your productivity patterns • Daily, weekly, and monthly focus insights • Completed session counter and streak tracking RETRO LED MATRIX DESIGN • Authentic pixelated aesthetic inspired by classic LED displays • Glowing red text effects that mimic real LED lighting • Minimalist black background for reduced eye strain • Landscape-first design optimized for focus sessions PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE • Adjust timer durations to match your workflow • Choose from multiple pixelated fonts (Pixelify Sans, Press Start 2P) • Customize notification sounds and vibration patterns • Dark theme optimized for any lighting condition MULTILINGUAL SUPPORT Available in English and Spanish, with more languages coming soon. PERFECT FOR: • Students during study sessions • Remote workers and freelancers • Anyone looking to improve focus and time management • Fans of retro gaming and pixel art aesthetics • Professionals using the Pomodoro Technique WHY CHOOSE PIXEL FOCUS? Unlike generic timer apps, Pixel Focus combines proven productivity techniques with a unique visual identity. The retro LED aesthetic isn't just beautiful - it's designed to minimize distractions while keeping you engaged with your focus goals. Start your journey to better productivity today. Download Pixel Focus and experience the perfect blend of nostalgia and efficiency.

Screenshots

Limit Screen Time・Taskfulness4 screens
Pixel Focus4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Pixel Focus at none against Limit Screen Time・Taskfulness's shown. Limit Screen Time・Taskfulness's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement 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. Limit Screen Time・Taskfulness sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and Pixel Focus sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Limit Screen Time・Taskfulness ships an update every 3 weeks, Pixel Focus every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Limit Screen Time・Taskfulness versus Pixel Focus: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLimit Screen Time・TaskfulnessPixel Focus
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (81 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews71.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings81 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 4 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size127 MB94 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCodescale GmbHRoberto Requena

Bugs and requests

Limit Screen Time・Taskfulness

Reported bugs

20 issues
  • Upgrade button hangs and says Restore Purchase
  • Restore Purchase does not save anything
  • Frequent notifications even when not using phone
  • Notifications are delayed
  • Cannot delete the app
Show 15 more
  • Freezes on screen time app selections
  • Keyboard won't go away on AI screen
  • Text exceeds phone size during setup
  • Button at bottom of setup screen not visible
  • App freezes and won't open apps even with time left
  • New version ruined core feature
  • Dark mode gone with update
  • Settings go to default mode
  • Option to click 'I don't need it' disappeared
  • Intention check disappeared
  • App blocked unexpectedly
  • Autocorrect not working for purpose text
  • Long purpose text doesn't fit text box
  • Spelling errors in setup guide
  • Spelling errors in notification messages

Requested features

17 requests
  • Option to grandfather in old members
  • Better remedy for subscription model change
  • Fix bugs with frequent notifications
  • Clarify age ranges at sign up
  • Reintroduce pared-down free version
Show 12 more
  • Add timer alerts for when time is up
  • Option for unlimited mindful phone usage
  • Create a future task list
  • Improve notification messaging
  • Desktop version of the app
  • Dark mode option
  • Ability to save or autocomplete intentions
  • Option to reorder intention/tag rows
  • Autocorrect for text input
  • Improve text box for long reasons
  • Neutral feeling for reflection menu
  • Fix spelling errors in setup guide

Pixel Focus

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

8 purchases

Limit Screen Time・Taskfulness

Subscriptions8
  • Taskfulness Weekly7 Days trial$3.997 Days
  • Taskfulness Monthly7 Days trial$7.991 Month
  • Taskfulness Monthly1 Month trial$7.991 Month
Show 5 more
  • Taskfulness Monthly7 Days trial$14.991 Month
  • Taskfulness Monthly7 Days trial$19.991 Month
  • Taskfulness Annual7 Days trial$59.991 Year
  • Taskfulness Annual7 Days trial$79.991 Year
  • Taskfulness Annual1 Month trial$79.991 Year
1 purchases

Pixel Focus

One-time1
  • Ambient Music, Unlimited History$5.99

Questions

Is Limit Screen Time・Taskfulness free?
Limit Screen Time・Taskfulness is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Pixel Focus free?
Pixel Focus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Limit Screen Time・Taskfulness or Pixel Focus have ads?
Limit Screen Time・Taskfulness shows ads; Pixel Focus does not.
Which is updated more often, Limit Screen Time・Taskfulness or Pixel Focus?
Limit Screen Time・Taskfulness ships an update every 3 weeks, and Pixel Focus every 4 months. Most recently, Limit Screen Time・Taskfulness was updated on October 14, 2026 and Pixel Focus on September 28, 2026.

Other comparisons