one sec | screen time + focus vs Limit Socials
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/
Limit Socials
This app helps you regain control of your screen time by restricting access to distracting social media applications. It offers features like automatic blocking, custom session management, and scientifically designed audio sessions to improve focus and reduce stress.
- Restrict distracting apps
- Automatic blocking
- Custom session management
- Heal from scrolling audio sessions
- Daily brain reset ritual
- Focus streak tracking
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With Limit Socials - App Blocker, effortlessly block distracting apps like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Reddit, Snapchat, and X (Twitter) with just a tap, ending endless scrolling. Struggling to manage your social media time? Limit Socials - App Blocker helps you stay focused and productive by restricting access to distracting apps. Whether you're controlling your own usage or managing screen time for your family, this app is your ideal solution. What You Gain: - Take charge of your screen time effectively - Save over 6 years in the long run - Enjoy better sleep and brighter mornings - Spend quality time with family and friends - Reduce stress and boost mindfulness - Use your phone with purpose - Maintain focus during crucial moments - Enhance work productivity - Heal from Scrolling: Scientifically designed audio sessions to restore your attention span after hours of social media use. - Daily Brain Reset: A gamified 5-minute daily ritual to quiet the noise and ignite your focus. - Brown Noise & 40Hz Waves: Use proven frequencies to silence internal distractions and trigger deep concentration instantly. - Build Your Streak: Turn focus into a habit. Track your progress and keep your "Focus Flame" alive. Key Features: - Set Daily Limits: Decide how much time you can spend on specific social media apps each day. - Automatic Blocking: Once you hit your daily limit, the app blocks access to the designated apps for the rest of the day. - Session Management: Easily add, edit, and delete sessions to tailor your app usage limits. - ScreenTime API Integration: Seamlessly integrates with ScreenTime API for accurate tracking and enforcement of app usage limits. Screen time affects us all. Limit Socials - App Blocker is perfect for anyone looking to cut daily screen time, increase focus, reduce stress, enjoy a digital detox, and improve sleep. Using advanced technology, Limit Socials can block distractions on your phone, helping you stay focused and more present. Download Limit Socials - App Blocker today and start maximizing your time by reducing distractions and boosting productivity! Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: one sec | screen time + focus at 4.8 against Limit Socials's 1.0. one sec | screen time + focus also leads on ratings volume (24K vs 1) and device support (4 vs 2). 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
Both are free to download. one sec | screen time + focus sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and Limit Socials sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. 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 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: one sec | screen time + focus has 24K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.
one sec | screen time + focus ships an update every 2 weeks, Limit Socials fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | one sec | screen time + focus | Limit Socials |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (24K ratings) — better | 1.0 (1 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 75.8% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 24K — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks — better | Fortnightly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium | Freemium |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 349 MB | 11 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | riedel.wtf apps S.L. | Alper Ismet SULUN |
Customer experience
one sec | screen time + focus
Limit Socials
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)
Limit Socials
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
Limit Socials
- Premium7 Days trial$2.991 Month
- Premium7 Days trial$19.991 Year
- Limit Socials - Lifetime$24.99
Questions
Is one sec | screen time + focus free?
Is Limit Socials free?
Which has better reviews, one sec | screen time + focus or Limit Socials?
Do one sec | screen time + focus or Limit Socials have ads?
Which is updated more often, one sec | screen time + focus or Limit Socials?
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