Comparison

one sec | screen time + focus vs TimeGuard

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

TimeGuard

Features
Read full description

TimeGuard - Reclaim Your Time and Focus TimeGuard helps you regain control over your screen time, reduce distractions, and boost productivity. With a simple yet powerful set of features, TimeGuard empowers you to make mindful decisions about your phone usage, helping you stay focused, improve your mental health, and break free from the grips of excessive screen time. Key Features: App Blocker & Limits: Block distracting apps and set daily usage limits to prevent overuse and stay on track. Focus Management: Schedule when to use apps and set "Deep Focus" mode for ultimate concentration. Social Media Control: Limit time on social media and avoid doom scrolling with automated session management. Mindful Breaks: Pause and reflect before opening apps, helping you build healthier habits and reduce impulsive behavior. Screen Time Reporting: Track your progress with detailed reports, streaks, and rewards to stay motivated. Personalized Blocklist: Customize your app and website blocklist to fit your personal needs. Exercise-Triggered Focus Breaks: Engage in physical activities like Squats, Left-Leg Lunges, Jumping Jacks, Push-Ups, Cobra Wings, and Sit-Ups to trigger deep focus pauses and enhance your concentration. Why TimeGuard? TimeGuard is designed for those who want to break free from phone addiction without going cold turkey. Whether you're battling anxiety, ADHD, or just want to become more productive, TimeGuard provides the tools you need to take control of your phone usage and align it with your personal goals. Join thousands of users who have reduced their screen time, improved their focus, and created healthier digital habits. TimeGuard is not just an app; it's a digital wellness companion that helps you live mindfully in a distracted world. Subscription terms: - Weekly Subscription length: weekly. - Weekly Subscription price in USD: 4.99 USD per week - Monthly Subscription length: monthly. - Monthly Subscription price in USD: 7.99 USD per month - Yearly Subscription Subscription length: yearly. - Yearly Subscription Subscription price in USD: 49.99 USD per year - Your payment will be charged to your iTunes Account as soon as you confirm your purchase. - You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal from your Account Settings after the purchase. - Your subscription will renew automatically, unless you turn off auto-renew at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. - The cost of renewal will be charged to your account in the 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. - When canceling a subscription, your subscription will stay active until the end of the period. Auto-renewal will be disabled, but the current subscription will not be refunded. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when purchasing a subscription. - Privacy policy: https://imwallpaper.com/privacy - Terms and conditions: https://imwallpaper.com/terms - If you have any questions feel free to contact us: support@imwallpaper.com

Screenshots

one sec | screen time + focus4 screens
TimeGuard4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: one sec | screen time + focus at none against TimeGuard's shown. one sec | screen time + focus also leads on device support (4 vs 1). On price, in-app purchases 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 $6.99 per month and TimeGuard sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
one sec | screen time + focus versus TimeGuard: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameterone sec | screen time + focusTimeGuard
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (24K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews75.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings24K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks—
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size367 MB125 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerriedel.wtf apps S.L.Meta Message Communication Technology Co., Ltd.

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)

TimeGuard

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)$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
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
6 purchases

TimeGuard

Subscriptions6
  • PREMIUM$4.997 Days
  • PREMIUM3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • PREMIUM3 Days trial$7.991 Month
Show 3 more
  • PREMIUM$7.991 Month
  • PREMIUM3 Days trial$49.991 Year
  • PREMIUM$49.991 Year

Questions

Is one sec | screen time + focus free?
one sec | screen time + focus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is TimeGuard free?
TimeGuard is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do one sec | screen time + focus or TimeGuard have ads?
TimeGuard shows ads; one sec | screen time + focus does not.

Other comparisons