Comparison

one sec | screen time + focus vs App Blocker

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

App Blocker

This app helps you regain control of your screen time by blocking distracting applications and websites. Utilize custom block lists and focus sessions to improve productivity and mental well-being.

Highlights
  • Block distracting apps and websites
  • Create custom block lists
  • Schedule focus sessions
  • Manage screen time effectively
  • Improve productivity and mental health
  • Personalized app and website blocking
Features
Read full description

Block distractions and focus better. 4 hours. That’s the average time you’ll spend looking at your phone today. With a combination of app restrictions, to-do list, you can begin to focus better and accomplish your dreams. BENEFITS 94% of our members are less distracted 93% are more productive thanks to the app 90% experience improved mental health 79% save at least 1 hour *daily* thanks to the app KEY FEATURES Calendar • Stay focused on daily basis • Create custom blocks/events to study, work or enjoying a family dinner • Custom block lists for specific apps or categories App Restrictions: • Instantly block distracting apps and websites with the #1 blocker. • Control your screen time and stop doomscrolling. Focus Sessions: • Block apps and websites while you're working to maintain deep focus. • You can always take a break to unblock them temporarily. BENEFITS Better Screen Time Management: Save at least one hour daily by reducing distractions. Increased Productivity: 93% of users report being more productive thanks to the app. Improved Mental Health: 90% of users experience reduced stress and improved mindfulness. Enhanced Focus: 94% of users report feeling less distracted and more focused. CREATE A PERSONALIZED APP LIST You can add or remove any App and Website that are distracting to you directly from To Do Lock's settings in the app. You can customize your To do Lock experience and block all apps and sites on your phone, including: - Facebook - Instagram - Snapchat - TikTok - Youtube - Netflix - Tinder - Hinge - Bumble - Many more: News, Messaging, Dating, Adult/Porn, Money apps etc. PRIVATE & SAFE We use Apple's Screen Time API in order to monitor and block apps you use. Installation is easy and takes a few seconds on your iPhone. Unlike most apps, App Blocker works entirely on your phone and personal browsing data never leaves your device. Subscription pricing and terms: App Blocker offers an auto-renewing yearly subscription at $99.99/year to provide you with unlimited access to the all features while you maintain an active subscription. Payment will be charged to the credit card connected to your iTunes Account when you confirm the initial subscription purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current subscription period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and the cost of the renewal will be identified. You may manage your subscription and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to your Account Settings after the purchase. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription, where applicable. Need help? Contact us here: https://screentimecontrol.app/contact-us Read more about our terms and conditions here: Privacy policy: https://screentimecontrol.app/privacy-and-policy/ Terms and conditions: https://screentimecontrol.app/terms-and-conditions

Screenshots

one sec | screen time + focus4 screens
App Blocker4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: one sec | screen time + focus at none against App Blocker's shown. one sec | screen time + focus also leads on ratings volume (24K vs 77) and rating (4.8 vs 4.5). On price, update cadence, 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

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 App Blocker sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 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 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: one sec | screen time + focus has 24K ratings behind it against 77, 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 App Blocker's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

one sec | screen time + focus ships an update every 2 weeks, App Blocker every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and August 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
one sec | screen time + focus versus App Blocker: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameterone sec | screen time + focusApp Blocker
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (24K ratings) — better4.5 (77 ratings)
Positive reviews75.9% of reviews — better62.5% of reviews
Number of ratings24K — better77
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 11 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size368 MB214 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerriedel.wtf apps S.L.Screen Time Control LLC

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%

App Blocker

All ratings77 ratings
Positive88.3%
Neutral2.6%
Negative9.1%
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)

App Blocker

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
9 purchases

App Blocker

Subscriptions6
  • Premium$4.997 Days
  • Premium$8.991 Month
  • Premium3 Days trial$9.997 Days
Show 3 more
  • Premium$24.991 Year
  • Premium7 Days trial$69.991 Year
  • Premium3 Days trial$99.991 Year
One-time3
  • Free for LifeFree
  • Lifetime$29.99
  • Lifetime$99.99

Questions

Is one sec | screen time + focus free?
one sec | screen time + focus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is App Blocker free?
App Blocker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, one sec | screen time + focus or App Blocker?
one sec | screen time + focus is rated higher. one sec | screen time + focus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 24K ratings, while App Blocker averages 4.5 from 77 ratings.
Do one sec | screen time + focus or App Blocker have ads?
App Blocker shows ads; one sec | screen time + focus does not.
Which is updated more often, one sec | screen time + focus or App Blocker?
one sec | screen time + focus ships an update every 2 weeks, and App Blocker every 11 days. Most recently, one sec | screen time + focus was updated on September 24, 2026 and App Blocker on August 12, 2026.

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