# ESMira vs ScreenZen

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ESMira at none against ScreenZen's 4. ScreenZen's advantage is chart position (#123 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

ESMira ships an update monthly, ScreenZen every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 11, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ESMira | ScreenZen |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.9 (50K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **50K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 93.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#123** |
| Size | 17 MB | 159 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Stefan Stieger](https://appshunter.io/developer/997974359) | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) |

## What reviewers say

### ESMira

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/esmira/id1538774594)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### ScreenZen

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

**Currently charting:** #123 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 ESMira free?

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

### Is ScreenZen free?

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

### Do ESMira or ScreenZen have ads?

Neither ESMira nor ScreenZen shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ESMira or ScreenZen?

ESMira ships an update monthly, and ScreenZen every 3 weeks. Most recently, ESMira was updated on September 11, 2026 and ScreenZen on September 29, 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.*