Comparison

one sec | screen time + focus vs HELIX

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 a brief pause before opening distracting applications, encouraging mindful choices about attention. It scientifically helps reduce screen time by an average of 57% by adding friction to habitual app usage.

Highlights
  • Delayed app access instead of blocking
  • Reduces screen time by 57% on average
  • Doom Scroll Emergency Brake (Re-Intervention)
  • Works with any app, including social media and games
  • Safari extension for website interruptions
  • Integrates with Structured and LENGO
  • Mindful moments via HealthKit
Features
Read full description

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/

About

HELIX

Features
Read full description

TENX by Helixsense is a modern tenant experience app designed for residential communities. While Helixsense powers asset management and operations in the background, TENX is the front-facing app that residents use every day to stay connected, informed, and in control. TENX brings residents, management teams, and service providers onto one simple and intuitive platform. What residents can do with TENX Raise and track service requests Log complaints or maintenance issues in seconds and track their status in real time. Receive important announcements Stay updated on community notices, maintenance schedules, events, and emergency alerts. Manage visitors easily Pre-approve guests, deliveries, and service staff with smooth visitor tracking. Clear communication No more missed messages or confusion—everything is centralized in one app. Simple and intuitive interface Designed for all age groups, easy to use with minimal learning curve.

Screenshots

one sec | screen time + focus4 screens
HELIX3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: HELIX at none against one sec | screen time + focus's 6. HELIX also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs fortnightly) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads and device support 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. HELIX asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

one sec | screen time + focus ships an update fortnightly, HELIX every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
one sec | screen time + focus versus HELIX: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameterone sec | screen time + focusHELIX
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (24K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews75.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings24K — better—
Update frequencyFortnightlyEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size413 MB39 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerriedel.wtf apps S.L.Helix Sense

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)

HELIX

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
None

HELIX

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is one sec | screen time + focus free?
one sec | screen time + focus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is HELIX free?
HELIX is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do one sec | screen time + focus or HELIX have ads?
Neither one sec | screen time + focus nor HELIX shows ads.
Which is updated more often, one sec | screen time + focus or HELIX?
one sec | screen time + focus ships an update fortnightly, and HELIX every 4 days. Most recently, one sec | screen time + focus was updated on November 6, 2026 and HELIX on October 31, 2026.

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