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 over your device usage by blocking distracting apps and setting time limits. It aims to reduce screen time, limit procrastination, and boost productivity for a healthier digital life.

Highlights
  • Block distracting apps
  • Set time limits for apps
  • Reduce overall screen time
  • Limit procrastination
  • Increase productivity
  • Create digital boundaries
  • Schedule downtime
Features
Read full description

Reclaim Your Time and Focus with LIMIT: Screen Time Control Feeling overwhelmed by constant notifications and screen time creeping into every moment? Introducing LIMIT: Screen Time Control, your ultimate companion in the fight for focus and digital well-being. Our app empowers you to take back control of your device and create a healthier relationship with technology. Break Free from Distractions: Block Apps: Silence the digital noise! With LIMIT: Screen Time Control, you can easily block distracting apps for designated periods. Focus on work, studies, or quality time with loved ones without social media or games vying for your attention. Stay Focused: Carve out distraction-free zones. Set time limits for specific apps, ensuring you stay on track and avoid getting sucked into endless scrolling. Reduce Screen Time: Take control of your overall device usage. Set time limits to promote a healthier digital habits and create space for other activities. Unleash Your Productivity: Save Time: By eliminating distractions and managing app usage, LIMIT: Screen Time Control helps you reclaim valuable hours that can be spent on things that truly matter. Limit Procrastination: Ditch the urge to endlessly check social media or news feeds. Set time limits or block distracting apps altogether to stay focused on the task at hand. Increase Productivity: Boost your efficiency by minimizing interruptions and maintaining focus. LIMIT: Screen Time Control helps you get more done in less time. Unwind and Recharge: Blocker & Freedom: Create digital boundaries and disconnect from the constant pull of your device. Block unwanted websites or apps during evenings, weekends, or while on vacation to truly unwind and recharge. Clear Space: Clear the mental clutter and create space for relaxation. Schedule downtime periods where notifications and distracting apps are silenced, allowing for true moments of peace. Simple and User-Friendly: LIMIT: Screen Time Control is designed with ease of use in mind. Our intuitive interface allows you to set up app blocking and time limits with just a few taps. Whether you're a student, professional, or simply looking for a more balanced digital life, LIMIT: Screen Time Control empowers you to take charge and create a healthier relationship with technology. Download LIMIT: Screen Time Control today and unlock a world of focus, productivity, and freedom from distractions! Terms and Conditions: https://static.screen-limiter.com/terms-conditions-en.html Privacy Policy: https://static.screen-limiter.com/privacy-en.html Community Guidelines: https://static.screen-limiter.com/community-guidelines-en.html

Screenshots

one sec | screen time + focus4 screens
LIMIT4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: one sec | screen time + focus at 4.8 against LIMIT's 4.3. one sec | screen time + focus also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (24K vs 22). LIMIT's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs every 2 weeks). 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 LIMIT sells 3 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 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: one sec | screen time + focus has 24K ratings behind it against 22, 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 57% of LIMIT's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

one sec | screen time + focus ships an update every 2 weeks, LIMIT every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and August 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 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) — better4.3 (22 ratings)
Positive reviews75.9% of reviews — better57.1% of reviews
Number of ratings24K — better22
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 2 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size368 MB81 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerriedel.wtf apps S.L.Deep Vision Apps

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 ratings22 ratings
Positive77.3%
Neutral9.1%
Negative13.6%
Written reviews14 reviews
Positive57.1%
Neutral7.1%
Negative35.7%

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
3 purchases

LIMIT

Subscriptions2
  • Limit Premium3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Limit Premium$4.997 Days
One-time1
  • Limit Premium$39.99

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 4.3 from 22 ratings.
Do one sec | screen time + focus or LIMIT have ads?
LIMIT shows ads; one sec | screen time + focus does not.
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 every 2 days. Most recently, one sec | screen time + focus was updated on September 24, 2026 and LIMIT on August 25, 2026.

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