Comparison

one sec | screen time + focus vs Limit

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

Limit

This app helps you regain control of your time by blocking distracting applications and scheduling focused work sessions. It offers customizable limits for app usage and allows for planned blocking periods to enhance productivity and digital well-being.

Highlights
  • Customizable focus sessions
  • Scheduled blocking sessions
  • App usage limits
  • User-friendly interface
  • Privacy-focused design
  • Tailored customization
Features
Read full description

Unlock Your Productivity: Your ultimate screen time control tool block apps for Focus Take Control, Stay Focused, and Reclaim Your Time In a world brimming with digital distractions, finding focus can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. That's where Limit: Screen Time for Focus swoops in - your steadfast companion in the quest for productivity and balanced digital life. Designed intuitively for iOS, our app empowers you to seize control over your screen time, helping you to concentrate on what truly matters. Key Features That Set You Free Focus Sessions: Jumpstart your productivity with customizable focus sessions. Whether you're diving into deep work, embarking on a creative endeavor, or simply seeking some uninterrupted quiet time, set a timer and watch your efficiency soar. Schedule Blocking Sessions: Anticipate and plan for your most productive times. With Limit: Screen Time for Focus, scheduling screen time blocks is seamless, allowing you to automatically silence digital noise during critical work hours or precious family moments. App Limits for a Balanced Digital Diet: Moderation is key to a healthy digital lifestyle. Set daily or weekly usage limits for apps that tend to devour your time. Once the limit is reached,Limit: Screen Time Blocker gently nudges you to take a much-needed break, encouraging healthier habits. Why Limit? Simplicity in Design: Our user-friendly interface makes digital well-being accessible to everyone. No complicated setups; just straightforward productivity. Tailored to Your Life: Customize every feature to suit your unique lifestyle and goals. Limit adapts to you, not the other way around. Privacy-Focused: Your data stays yours. We prioritize your privacy, ensuring that your app usage patterns remain confidential and secure. Embrace Productivity, Embrace Well-being With Limit, you're not just blocking out distractions; you're paving the way for a more focused, fulfilling, and balanced life. It's time to take back control and let your productivity flourish. # Subscriptions We have providing monthly and yearly auto-renewal subscriptions to access all premium features for Limit: Screen Time Blocker. You can try all premium features 7 days for free. Free trial subscription automatically renews to a paid subscriber unless auto-renew is turned off. Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. Account automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. The subscription can be turned off in the Account Settings section. Any unused part of the free trial period, if offered, will be lost when purchasing a subscription during the free trial. * (Prices will vary by country and App Store Matrix pricing.) Privacy Policy; https://limit-cb912.web.app/privacy.html Terms & Conditions; https://limit-cb912.web.app/terms.html Feel free to contact our team at: net29apps@gmail.com for any questions.

Screenshots

one sec | screen time + focus4 screens
Limit3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: one sec | screen time + focus at 4.8 against Limit's 3.4. one sec | screen time + focus also leads on ratings volume (24K vs 7) and review sentiment (76% vs 63%). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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 Limit sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 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 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: one sec | screen time + focus has 24K ratings behind it against 7, 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 63% of Limit's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

one sec | screen time + focus ships an update every 2 weeks, Limit fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
one sec | screen time + focus versus Limit: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameterone sec | screen time + focusLimit
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (24K ratings) — better3.4 (7 ratings)
Positive reviews75.9% of reviews — better62.5% of reviews
Number of ratings24K — better7
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterFortnightly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.1
Further details — not scored
Size368 MB54 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerriedel.wtf apps S.L.Samet Macit

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%

Limit

All ratings7 ratings
Positive57.1%
Neutral0.0%
Negative42.9%
Written reviews8 reviews
Positive62.5%
Neutral12.5%
Negative25.0%

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)

Limit

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
7 purchases

Limit

Subscriptions6
  • Weekly Premium Subscription$1.997 Days
  • Monthly Premium Subscription7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Weekly Pro$5.997 Days
Show 3 more
  • Yearly PRO$9.991 Year
  • Yearly Premium Subscription3 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • Yearly Premium Subscription7 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • Limit Pro(Lifetime)$29.99

Questions

Is one sec | screen time + focus free?
one sec | screen time + focus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Limit free?
Limit is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, one sec | screen time + focus or Limit?
one sec | screen time + focus is rated higher. one sec | screen time + focus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 24K ratings, while Limit averages 3.4 from 7 ratings.
Do one sec | screen time + focus or Limit have ads?
Neither one sec | screen time + focus nor Limit shows ads.
Which is updated more often, one sec | screen time + focus or Limit?
one sec | screen time + focus ships an update every 2 weeks, and Limit fortnightly. Most recently, one sec | screen time + focus was updated on September 24, 2026 and Limit on September 5, 2026.

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