# ScreenZen vs BeTimeful

The clearest difference is rating: ScreenZen at 4.9 against BeTimeful's 4.0. ScreenZen also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and ratings volume (49K vs 87). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ScreenZen sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and BeTimeful sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScreenZen holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScreenZen has 49K ratings behind it against 87, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 93% of ScreenZen's written reviews are positive against 71% of BeTimeful's.

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, BeTimeful fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and August 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenZen | BeTimeful |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (49K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews)** | [4.0 (87 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/betimeful-screen-time-20/id1599021847/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **49K** | 87 |
| Positive reviews | **93.4% of reviews** | 71.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#184** | — |
| Size | 159 MB | 246 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) | [Be Timeful Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1576212134) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenZen

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

**Currently charting:** #184 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


### BeTimeful

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/betimeful-screen-time-20/id1599021847)

This app helps you stay focused by removing distracting elements from social media and YouTube, allowing you to use them intentionally. It offers smart time limits and integration with your calendar to manage your usage effectively.

**Highlights:** Removes distracting elements from social media, Smart time limits, Google Calendar integration, Auto Discipline Mode, Unlimited blocking

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly BeTimeful Pro Access | $5.99 | per month |
| Monthly BeTimeful Pro | $7.99 | per month |
| Annual BeTimeful Pro | $49.99 | per year |
| 12 Months BeTimeful Pro Access | $59.99 | per year |
| BeTimeful Pro (Annual) | $69.99 | per year |
| Annual BeTimeful Pro | $89.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Helpful for reducing screen time
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🔒 Blocks apps effectively
- 💡 Useful break timer feature
- 👍 Responsive customer support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent app blocking
- 🔒 Unclear subscription management
- 💰 Expensive for some features
- 🐛 Feedless Instagram not available
- 🔒 Difficult to cancel subscription

**Reported bugs**

- App not working properly after breaks
- White screen on app opening
- Safari extension no longer working
- Subscription issues and unauthorized charges

**Requested features**

- Feedless option for more apps
- Scheduling to automatically hide apps
- Free version with more functionality
- Ability to modify feeds for free


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenZen free?

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

### Is BeTimeful free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ScreenZen or BeTimeful?

ScreenZen is rated higher. ScreenZen averages 4.9 out of 5 from 49K ratings, while BeTimeful averages 4.0 from 87 ratings.

### Do ScreenZen or BeTimeful have ads?

Neither ScreenZen nor BeTimeful shows ads.

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

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, and BeTimeful fortnightly. Most recently, ScreenZen was updated on September 26, 2026 and BeTimeful on August 30, 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.*