# ScreenZen vs Dumbify

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ScreenZen at 93% against Dumbify's 46%. ScreenZen also leads on price (Free vs $4.99) and rating (4.9 vs 3.0). Dumbify's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and update cadence (every 6 days vs every 3 weeks). On ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

ScreenZen is free to download; Dumbify costs $4.99 up front. ScreenZen sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Dumbify asks for nothing beyond the download.

ScreenZen holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScreenZen has 49K ratings behind it against 207, 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 46% of Dumbify's.

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, Dumbify every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenZen | Dumbify |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $4.99 |
| Rating | **[4.9 (49K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews)** | [3.0 (207 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dumbify/id6480082872/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **49K** | 207 |
| Positive reviews | **93.4% of reviews** | 46.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | #179 | **#49** |
| Size | 159 MB | 33 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) | [AB Apps Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1738125989) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenZen

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

**Currently charting:** #179 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


### Dumbify

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dumbify/id6480082872)

**Currently charting:** #49 Top Paid · Productivity (US App Store)

This minimalist launcher for iPhone declutters your home screen to help reduce screen time. It allows you to select and display only your most important apps in a clean, text-based interface, reclaiming your time and simplifying your digital life.

**Highlights:** Minimalist home screen launcher, Reduces screen time, Customizable app selection, Clean, text-based interface, Supports dark and light mode

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Minimalist and clean interface
- 👍 Helps reduce phone usage and distractions
- 💡 Clever use of widgets and shortcuts
- 🔒 No subscription required, one-time purchase

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent app launching experience with shortcuts
- 🔋 Battery drain due to constant shortcuts usage
- 🔍 Limited app integration and customization options
- 🤔 Confusing setup process for some users

**Reported bugs**

- Issues with widget not displaying app list properly
- Settings app not launching to main page
- Occasional crashes or freezes

**Requested features**

- More widget size and layout options
- Ability to customize background and font styles
- Seamless app launching without shortcuts
- Integration with more popular apps


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenZen free?

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

### Is Dumbify free?

Dumbify costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

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

ScreenZen is rated higher. ScreenZen averages 4.9 out of 5 from 49K ratings, while Dumbify averages 3.0 from 207 ratings.

### Do ScreenZen or Dumbify have ads?

Neither ScreenZen nor Dumbify shows ads.

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

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, and Dumbify every 6 days. Most recently, ScreenZen was updated on September 25, 2026 and Dumbify on September 24, 2026.

### Which is more popular, ScreenZen or Dumbify?

ScreenZen currently peaks at #179 in the App Store charts, and Dumbify at #49. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

---

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