# AppThing Commissioning vs ScreenZen

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: AppThing Commissioning at none against ScreenZen's 4. AppThing Commissioning also leads on iOS requirement (13.4 vs 16.4). ScreenZen's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 9 months) and chart position (#120 vs unranked). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ScreenZen sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. AppThing Commissioning asks for nothing beyond the download.

AppThing Commissioning ships an update every 9 months, ScreenZen every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AppThing Commissioning | ScreenZen |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.9 (54K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **54K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 93.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#120** |
| Size | 22 MB | 159 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.4** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TeraCode Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/973852437) | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) |

## What reviewers say

### AppThing Commissioning

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/appthing-commissioning/id1535268178)

**In-app purchases:** none


### ScreenZen

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222)

**Currently charting:** #120 Top Free · Productivity (US App Store)

This app offers multiple strategies to help you reduce screen time and control app usage. Features include delayed app opening, timed scrolling interruptions, and customizable app limits. It also provides options for strict blocking, settings protection, and encourages mindful breaks.

**Highlights:** Delayed app opening, Scrolling interruption, Set app goals and limits, Configurable daily schedules, Strict app blocking, Screen time tracking for distracting apps, Settings protection locks

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Kind Tip | $5.00 | one-time |
| Generous Tip | $10.00 | one-time |
| Amazing Tip | $20.00 | one-time |
| Fantastic Tip | $40.00 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Completely reversed my scrolling addiction
- 🚀 Helps manage screen time
- 👍 Excellent app, easy to use
- 👍 Genuinely the best screentime app out there
- 👍 Effective in avoiding doom scrolling

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy, sometimes doesn't unlock apps
- 🐛 Notifications can't break through
- 🐛 Inconsistent UI across devices

**Reported bugs**

- Unlock button not working as expected
- App stops working after some time
- Compatibility issues with iOS 16 update

**Requested features**

- Add more customization options
- Integrate with productivity/to-do apps
- Add more pause/break options
- Improve website blocking functionality


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AppThing Commissioning free?

AppThing Commissioning is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ScreenZen free?

ScreenZen is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do AppThing Commissioning or ScreenZen have ads?

Neither AppThing Commissioning nor ScreenZen shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AppThing Commissioning or ScreenZen?

AppThing Commissioning ships an update every 9 months, and ScreenZen every 3 weeks. Most recently, AppThing Commissioning was updated on November 7, 2026 and ScreenZen on November 10, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*