one sec | screen time + focus vs Screen Time Blocker
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
one sec | screen time + focus
This app introduces intentional friction to distracting apps and websites, helping users reduce screen time and improve focus. It delays access rather than blocking, promoting long-term behavioral change. Integrates with other apps for enhanced productivity.
- Adds friction to distracting apps
- Delays app access instead of blocking
- Reduces app usage significantly
- Doom Scroll Emergency Brake (Re-Intervention)
- Free Safari extension for websites
- Integrates with other productivity apps
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Willpower is not enough against social media algorithms! That’s why I made one sec: one sec adds friction to distracting apps to make them less appealing…long-term! This principle works really well: we have gained scientific evidence in numerous research studies with the Max-Planck Institute, with the German and Danish government, and in dozens more scientific collaborations: one sec has incredible effects on your screen time: app usage drops by 57% on average! …just read our App Store reviews or try it for yourself if you don’t believe me (…you should really try it)! How is one sec different from Screen Time limits or app blockers? - one sec DELAYS access to distracting apps instead of blocking apps completely – that’s an important difference psychologically. - This way, we solve the screen time problem at its roots: long-term & sustainably! - one sec is always on, and makes using social media just slightly more annoying…so you’ll end up using it only when you actually have a reason! Which apps can I use with one sec? - You can set up one sec with any app you’d like to use less / more intentional. - Most popular use-cases are: social media, games, video streaming, dating, stock/coin trading, adult content. - Using one sec with one app of your choice if completely free, for more you’ll need to purchase one sec pro (we also need to finance development of our app!). What if I get stuck scrolling? - No worries, one sec offers a Doom Scroll Emergency Brake: We call it Re-Intervention. - After a set time (e.g. 5 minutes) you’ll be kicked out of social media, and you’ll have to go through an intervention again to unlock more time. Where can I learn more about the scientific background of one sec? → https://one-sec.app/research Can I use one sec to interrupt access to websites as well? → Yes, one sec offers a free Safari extension as well. How does one sec work technically? - one sec uses Shortcuts Automation to toggle a deep breath animation whenever you open one of the configured apps (Instagram, Twitter, YouTube…). - This breaks unconscious social media habits short-term (literally, as soon as you have set it up) and even helps long-term by adding more friction when opening these apps. Integrations: - Structured: one sec blocks apps during unfinished tasks. - LENGO: learn vocabulary to unlock social media. I developed one sec for myself in 2020…and it worked so well I decided to upload it to the App Store. Especially for people with ADHD one sec is a great tool to gain back control for incredible focus and concentration. – Frederik Legal information: Available Subscription Options: one sec pro (annual / monthly / lifetime unlock) one sec can contribute mindful moments to the Health App via HealthKit. one sec is covered by U.S. Patent 12,468,828 B2. Terms (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://one-sec.app/privacy/
Screen Time Blocker
This app helps you regain control of your smartphone usage by setting app and website limits. It creates focused moments for work, study, or sleep by blocking distracting applications during designated times. Features include customizable restrictions, a "shield" screen to enforce limits, and a Pomodoro timer for enhanced productivity.
- App and website restrictions
- Customizable time limits
- "Shield" screen for enforcement
- Pomodoro timer integration
- Undisableable shield option (premium)
- Multiple restriction profiles
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Focus is an app designed to create truly focused moments for you. It's perfect for those who can't help but open their phones, even when there are tasks to be done - a solution for your smartphone addiction. Leveraging the Screen Time feature, Focus can assist you when you need concentration for obtaining certifications, test studies, or work. Additionally, it's a valuable tool for those looking to combat smartphone addiction and improve sleep quality. ■ Focus safeguards your time with the following features: ・ Focus uses the Screen Time API. This API ensures no unauthorized data access. Please grant permission with peace of mind. ・ It operates based on the apps and times you set for restrictions. For instance, you can set it to prevent SNS usage between 9:00-17:00 during work or study hours. Even granting permissions as short as 10 minutes is possible. ・ If you exceed the time limit and continue to use the app, a "shield" screen appears, preventing further use. ・ Outside the restriction hours (e.g., after 17:00), the shield is deactivated, and the restricted apps become accessible again. ・ You can set multiple restrictions, tailored to your lifestyle. ・ There's a Pomodoro timer feature that leverages the app restriction function. This helps you study or work more efficiently. ・ It's also possible to make the shield non-deactivatable from the premium plan, ensuring you always adhere to the limits. Focus is recommended for: Those addicted to SNS, often checking it during work hours. With Focus, you can set it so SNS apps are off-limits from 9:00 - 17:00. People who use their phones before sleeping. You can set all apps to be unusable after 22:00. If you start your morning dawdling on entertainment or gaming apps and miss a productive start. For instance, restrict such apps from 8:00 - 10:00. Music lovers who get lost in their tunes during study breaks. You can set music apps to be usable only for 20 minutes during study hours. Those who quickly deactivate restrictions from the settings app. With Focus, you can set an undisable shield, ensuring you always adhere to the restrictions. It's also a reliable partner for those who want to concentrate on tasks using the Pomodoro timer. Please utilize this app to overcome temptations from other captivating apps. For inquiries or feedback, please contact us at: awesome.digitaldetox.app@gmail.com
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ratings volume: one sec | screen time + focus at 24K against Screen Time Blocker's 21. one sec | screen time + focus also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.6) and device support (4 vs 1). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads 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
Both are free to download. one sec | screen time + focus sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Screen Time Blocker sells 15 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
one sec | screen time + focus holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: one sec | screen time + focus has 24K ratings behind it against 21, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of one sec | screen time + focus's written reviews are positive against 68% of Screen Time Blocker's.
one sec | screen time + focus ships an update every 2 weeks, Screen Time Blocker every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | one sec | screen time + focus | Screen Time Blocker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (24K ratings) — better | 4.6 (21 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 75.9% of reviews — better | 68.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 24K — better | 21 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 10 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium | Freemium |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 368 MB | 109 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | riedel.wtf apps S.L. | yudai hirose |
Customer experience
one sec | screen time + focus
Screen Time Blocker
Bugs and requests
one sec | screen time + focus
Reported bugs
4 issues- App switching issues
- Interventions not triggering properly
- Inconsistent behavior with shortcuts
- Crashes and freezes on certain devices
Requested features
6 requests- Ability to block more apps for free
- Customizable intervention timers
- Scheduled app blocking/access
- Passcode protection for settings
- Sync settings across devices
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- More intervention types (e.g. games)
Screen Time Blocker
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
one sec | screen time + focus
- one sec pro (1 Month)$2.991 Month
- one sec pro | Family Plan (1 Month)7 Days trial$4.991 Month
- one sec pro (1 Year)7 Days trial$19.991 Year
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- one sec pro | Family Plan (1 Year)7 Days trial$29.991 Year
- one sec pro | Lifetime$99.99
- one sec pro | Family Lifetime$149.00
Screen Time Blocker
- Premium$1.991 Month
- Premium$2.991 Month
- Premium$4.991 Month
Show 5 moreShow fewer
- Premium$9.991 Month
- Premium$19.991 Year
- Premium$29.991 Year
- Premium$39.991 Year
- Premium$79.991 Year
- 100yen$0.49
- 300yen$1.99
- 1000yen$5.99
Show 4 moreShow fewer
- Premium$24.99
- Premium$39.99
- Premium$59.99
- 10000yen$59.99
Questions
Is one sec | screen time + focus free?
Is Screen Time Blocker free?
Which has better reviews, one sec | screen time + focus or Screen Time Blocker?
Do one sec | screen time + focus or Screen Time Blocker have ads?
Which is updated more often, one sec | screen time + focus or Screen Time Blocker?
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