Comparison

one sec | screen time + focus vs Atten

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

Atten

This app helps you regain control of your digital time by blocking distracting apps and websites. Set customizable limits and schedules to improve focus, boost productivity, and build healthier screen time habits.

Highlights
  • App and website blocking
  • Customizable limits and schedules
  • Strict mode for unbreakable focus
  • Multi-device sync
  • Parental controls
  • Usage and progress tracking
Features
Read full description

9 out of 10 users reduce unwanted screen time in the first week Users save an average of 90+ minutes daily Conquer distractions, master your focus, and build healthier digital habits. Whether you need to ace your exams, achieve deep work, or simply be more present, Atten is your all-in-one tool to take back control of your time. Block Apps, Websites & Social Media to Reclaim Your Time! Atten helps you block distracting apps and websites, manage your screen time, and build a healthier relationship with your phone. Join thousands of users who are reducing distractions and boosting their productivity in just a few taps. Why Atten? ▶ App & Website Blocker: Instantly block any app or website that pulls you away from your goals. Your perfect social media blocker, distraction blocker, and dopamine detox tool. ▶ Customizable Limits & Schedules: Set daily app timers or schedule blocks for specific times. Automatically enforce focus during work, study, or bedtime routines. ▶ Unbreakable Strict Mode: Stay committed to your goals by making your schedules and limits impossible to bypass. ▶ Seamless Multi-Device Sync: Sync all your blocks, limits, and schedules across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Maintain focus and consistency, no matter which device you're using. ▶ Powerful Parental Controls: Easily set up Atten on your child's device. Block apps, limit screen time, and lock the settings with a passcode to ensure they stay protected and focused. ▶ Usage & Progress Tracking: Monitor your daily, weekly, and monthly app usage with our screen time tracker. Visualize your progress and stay motivated on your digital wellbeing journey. ▶ Home & Lock Screen Widgets: Activate blocks or view timers instantly from your Home Screen. Staying on track has never been easier. For Students: A Distraction-Free Study Zone Block distracting apps and sites to create the optimal study environment. Stop procrastination, improve concentration, and boost your academic performance. For Professionals: Maximize Your Productivity Eliminate digital noise during work hours. Protect your focus, get more done, and reclaim valuable time lost to mindless scrolling and notifications. For Everyone: Build Healthier Habits Atten is more than a blocker—it's a tool for digital wellbeing. Use it to: Promote better sleep by reducing evening screen time. Be more present with friends and family. Support your mental health by creating space for mindfulness and relaxation. Ready to take control? Download Atten today and start your journey to a more focused and productive life! Terms of Service: http://www.atten.app/terms Privacy Policy: http://www.atten.app/privacy-policy

Screenshots

one sec | screen time + focus4 screens
Atten4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ratings volume: one sec | screen time + focus at 24K against Atten's 139. one sec | screen time + focus also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). Atten's advantage is review sentiment (90% vs 76%). On price, rating, update cadence and ads 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 Atten sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for one sec | screen time + focus against 4.7 for Atten. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: one sec | screen time + focus has 24K ratings behind it against 139, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 76% of one sec | screen time + focus's written reviews are positive against 90% of Atten's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

one sec | screen time + focus ships an update every 2 weeks, Atten weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and August 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
one sec | screen time + focus versus Atten: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameterone sec | screen time + focusAtten
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (24K ratings) — better4.7 (139 ratings)
Positive reviews75.9% of reviews90.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings24K — better139
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size368 MB34 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerriedel.wtf apps S.L.Third tech

Customer experience

one sec | screen time + focus

All ratings23,574 ratings
Positive96.0%
Neutral1.5%
Negative2.5%
Written reviews1,610 reviews
Positive75.9%
Neutral9.4%
Negative14.7%

Atten

All ratings139 ratings
Positive95.0%
Neutral1.4%
Negative3.6%
Written reviews62 reviews
Positive90.3%
Neutral4.8%
Negative4.8%

User reviews

one sec | screen time + focus

From 24K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Saves time
  • 👍 Helps reduce screen time
  • 💡 Customizable interventions
  • 👍 Effective at curbing habits
  • 👍 Intuitive and easy to use

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Buggy at times
  • 💰 Premium features behind paywall
  • 🔒 Concerns about privacy/data collection
  • 🔒 Inability to fully disable the app
  • 🐛 Inconsistent behavior across apps

Atten

From 139 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 💰 Affordable pricing compared to competitors like Opal
  • 🔒 Effective strict blocking that prevents app access
  • 🎨 Beautiful and intuitive user interface design
  • ⏱️ Customizable scheduling and time limits for apps
  • 🎯 Significantly reduces screen time and improves focus

Room to improve

  • 🐛 App crashes and occasional bugs during use
  • 🐛 Glitches allowing access to blocked apps intermittently
  • ⏱️ Inaccurate app usage time tracking
  • 🔄 Repetitive rating popup appears too frequently
  • 🌍 Limited language support (primarily English)

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)

Atten

Reported bugs

7 issues
  • App crashes when selecting websites to block
  • Website blocking crashes and is unreliable
  • Cannot modify or delete permanently active sessions without reinstalling
  • Unselected apps still get blocked despite deselection
  • Instagram blocking not working while other social apps block correctly
Show 2 more
  • App crashes during setup process
  • Occasional freezing and lag requiring full app restart

Requested features

12 requests
  • Fully customizable popup messages without fixed text
  • Option to add 'Don't show this again' button to rating prompts
  • Less frequent rating/feedback popups (every 6-12 months)
  • Clone sessions or create reusable app lists
  • Move break button to main menu for easier access
Show 7 more
  • Limit break duration to prevent abuse
  • MacOS version of the app
  • More iOS shortcuts and widgets
  • Chinese language support (Traditional and Simplified)
  • Additional language translations
  • Ability to edit or delete active sessions
  • Action button integration for quick focus mode activation

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
5 purchases

Atten

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly Plan$2.997 Days
  • Monthly Plan3 Days trial2 variants$2.991 Month
  • Yearly Plan3 Days trial2 variants$19.991 Year
One-time2
  • Atten Pro | Lifetime$39.99
  • Atten Pro | Lifetime (Family)$44.99

Questions

Is one sec | screen time + focus free?
one sec | screen time + focus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Atten free?
Atten is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, one sec | screen time + focus or Atten?
one sec | screen time + focus is rated higher. one sec | screen time + focus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 24K ratings, while Atten averages 4.7 from 139 ratings.
Do one sec | screen time + focus or Atten have ads?
Neither one sec | screen time + focus nor Atten shows ads.
Which is updated more often, one sec | screen time + focus or Atten?
one sec | screen time + focus ships an update every 2 weeks, and Atten weekly. Most recently, one sec | screen time + focus was updated on September 25, 2026 and Atten on August 20, 2026.

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