Comparison

one sec | screen time + focus vs Screen Time Control

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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/

About

Screen Time Control

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
Read full description

Take control of your screen time. Stay focused. Get your time back. Focus Mate is a powerful Screen Time Control and App Blocker designed to help you limit screen time, block distractions, and build healthier digital habits — without sacrificing privacy. The average person spends more than 5 hours per day on their phone, often without realizing it. Focus Mate helps you break that cycle with smart app limits, focus modes, and automatic app blocking. With Focus Mate, you can: • Limit screen time on distracting apps • Block apps and websites automatically • Stay focused during work, study, or deep concentration • Build consistent routines and mindful phone habits BENEFITS • Reduce screen time and digital distraction • Improve focus and productivity • Support digital detox and mindful usage • Stay in control instead of reacting to notifications Designed for students, professionals, creators, and anyone who wants to use their iPhone more intentionally. FEATURES • Screen Time Control Set daily app limits and automatically block apps when limits are reached. • App Blocker Block specific apps and websites during focus sessions or scheduled routines. • Focus Zone Create distraction-free sessions by selecting exactly which apps should be blocked. • Deep Focus Maximum protection that prevents bypassing or disabling blocks until the session ends. • Focus Time Structure your day with focused intervals to boost productivity. • Free Time Temporarily relax restrictions when flexibility is needed. • Usage Insights Track your screen time behavior and monitor progress over time. PRIVATE & SECURE Focus Mate uses Apple’s official Screen Time API to manage app usage securely. • No accounts required • No tracking • No data leaving your device Your screen time data stays private and on your iPhone. Take back control of your time. Use your phone with intention — not distraction. Privacy Policy: https://adappssoftware.com/privacy/ Terms of Use: https://adappssoftware.com/terms-conditions/

Screenshots

one sec | screen time + focus4 screens
Screen Time Control4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: one sec | screen time + focus at 76% against Screen Time Control's 0%. one sec | screen time + focus also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.3) and ads (none vs shown). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model 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. one sec | screen time + focus sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

one sec | screen time + focus holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: one sec | screen time + focus has 24K ratings behind it against 20, 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 0% of Screen Time Control's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

one sec | screen time + focus ships an update every 2 weeks, Screen Time Control every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
one sec | screen time + focus versus Screen Time Control: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameterone sec | screen time + focusScreen Time Control
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (24K ratings) — better4.3 (20 ratings)
Positive reviews75.9% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings24K — better20
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.1
Further details — not scored
Size368 MB56 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerriedel.wtf apps S.L.ADAPPS SOFTWARE

Customer experience

one sec | screen time + focus

All ratings23,574 ratings
Positive96.0%
Neutral1.5%
Negative2.5%
Written reviews1,609 reviews
Positive75.9%
Neutral9.4%
Negative14.7%

Screen Time Control

All ratings20 ratings
Positive85.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative15.0%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

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
Show 1 more
  • More intervention types (e.g. games)

Screen Time Control

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

6 purchases

one sec | screen time + focus

Subscriptions4
  • 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
Show 1 more
  • one sec pro | Family Plan (1 Year)7 Days trial$29.991 Year
One-time2
  • one sec pro | Lifetime$99.99
  • one sec pro | Family Lifetime$149.00
5 purchases

Screen Time Control

Subscriptions5
  • Weekly Premium$2.997 Days
  • Trial Weekly Premium3 Days trial$2.997 Days
  • 3 Day Free3 Days trial$12.991 Month
Show 2 more
  • Annual Premium$34.991 Year
  • 1 Week Free7 Days trial$34.991 Year

Questions

Is one sec | screen time + focus free?
one sec | screen time + focus 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, one sec | screen time + focus or Screen Time Control?
one sec | screen time + focus is rated higher. one sec | screen time + focus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 24K ratings, while Screen Time Control averages 4.3 from 20 ratings.
Do one sec | screen time + focus or Screen Time Control have ads?
Screen Time Control shows ads; one sec | screen time + focus does not.
Which is updated more often, one sec | screen time + focus or Screen Time Control?
one sec | screen time + focus ships an update every 2 weeks, and Screen Time Control every 2 months. Most recently, one sec | screen time + focus was updated on September 24, 2026 and Screen Time Control on September 21, 2026.

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