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.
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.
- 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
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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/
HELIX
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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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
| Parameter | one sec | screen time + focus | HELIX |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (24K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 75.8% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 24K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Every 4 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 413 MB | 39 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | riedel.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
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- More intervention types (e.g. games)
HELIX
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
HELIX
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is one sec | screen time + focus free?
Is HELIX free?
Do one sec | screen time + focus or HELIX have ads?
Which is updated more often, one sec | screen time + focus or HELIX?
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