# ScreenZen vs Dexter Yard

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Dexter Yard at none against ScreenZen's 4. ScreenZen's advantage is chart position (#177 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. Dexter Yard asks for nothing beyond the download.

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, Dexter Yard fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenZen | Dexter Yard |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (49K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **49K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 93.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Best chart rank | **#177** | — |
| Size | 159 MB | 168 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **15.6** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) | [BioMed Realty](https://appshunter.io/developer/947642896) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenZen

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

**Currently charting:** #177 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


### Dexter Yard

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dexter-yard/id6473354176)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenZen free?

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

### Is Dexter Yard free?

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

### Do ScreenZen or Dexter Yard have ads?

Neither ScreenZen nor Dexter Yard shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ScreenZen or Dexter Yard?

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, and Dexter Yard fortnightly. Most recently, ScreenZen was updated on September 25, 2026 and Dexter Yard on September 20, 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.*