one sec | screen time + focus vs Bonfire
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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Stop opening social media on autopilot. one sec adds a short pause before distracting apps so you can choose what deserves your attention. 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 is 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/
Bonfire
This app helps reduce excessive phone usage and improve focus. It offers features like app blocking, real-time focus feedback, and progress tracking to enhance productivity and well-being. Manage your digital habits and build structured routines for a better quality of time spent on your device.
- App blocking
- Focus reporting
- Real-time focus score
- Scheduled focus sessions
- Digital habit management
- Productivity enhancement
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Introducing Bonfire, your new ally against excessive screen time. Aimed at reducing the average six hour daily phone usage. Yes, you will spend over six hours today looking at your phone. Bonfire helps you control your screen time to improve focus and achieve your dreams. From app restrictions to real time feedback and rewarding milestones, Bonfire is designed to boost productivity and wellness. Why Bonfire Bonfire is built on the idea that managing your digital environment can lead to meaningful improvements in daily life. It is not just about cutting down screen time, it is about improving the quality of the time you spend. Benefits of Bonfire • Improve focus and reduce distractions • Enhance productivity at work or school • Support mental wellness and stress management • Help manage ADHD related distractions • Build structured daily routines for work, sleep, and family time • Take control of your digital habits Features include • Focus Report. Track and measure your focus improvement over time • Focus Score. A real time assessment of your current focus level • App Blocker. Block a limited number of apps for free, with the option to unlock additional blocks using a premium subscription • Focus Sessions. Schedule session based app blocks to maintain deep focus Safe and private Bonfire uses Apple Screen Time APIs to monitor app usage securely. All data remains on your device to ensure privacy and safety. Download Bonfire and start building better focus today. Terms of Service https://www.bonfirefocus.com/terms-of-service Privacy Policy https://www.bonfirefocus.com/privacy-policy EULA https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: one sec | screen time + focus at none against Bonfire's shown. one sec | screen time + focus also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.4) and ratings volume (24K vs 67). On price, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 $6.99 per month and Bonfire sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per year. 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 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: one sec | screen time + focus has 24K ratings behind it against 67, 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 Bonfire's.
one sec | screen time + focus ships an update every 2 weeks, Bonfire every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.
| Parameter | one sec | screen time + focus | Bonfire |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (24K ratings) — better | 4.4 (67 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 75.8% of reviews — better | 62.5% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 24K — better | 67 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks — better | Every 6 weeks |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 349 MB | 77 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | riedel.wtf apps S.L. | Offbeat Apps LLC |
Customer experience
one sec | screen time + focus
Bonfire
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)
Bonfire
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
one sec | screen time + focus
- one sec pro (1 Month)$6.991 Month
- one sec pro | Family Plan (1 Month)7 Days trial$9.991 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
Bonfire
- Bonfire Premium7 Days trial$9.991 Year
- Bonfire Premium$9.991 Year
- Bonfire Premium7 Days trial$19.991 Year
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- Bonfire Premium7 Days trial$29.991 Year
- Bonfire Premium$59.991 Year
- Bonfire Premium7 Days trial$59.991 Year
Questions
Is one sec | screen time + focus free?
Is Bonfire free?
Which has better reviews, one sec | screen time + focus or Bonfire?
Do one sec | screen time + focus or Bonfire have ads?
Which is updated more often, one sec | screen time + focus or Bonfire?
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