# ScreenZen vs StepBloc

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ScreenZen at 93% against StepBloc's 64%. ScreenZen also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.5) and ratings volume (49K vs 485). StepBloc's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ScreenZen sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and StepBloc sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScreenZen holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScreenZen has 49K ratings behind it against 485, 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 64% of StepBloc's.

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, StepBloc weekly. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenZen | StepBloc |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (49K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews)** | [4.5 (485 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stepbloc-screen-time-blocker/id6480580480/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **49K** | 485 |
| Positive reviews | **93.4% of reviews** | 63.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | **#159** | — |
| Size | 159 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) | [Hamsters Technology](https://appshunter.io/developer/1684075068) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenZen

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

**Currently charting:** #159 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


### StepBloc

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stepbloc-screen-time-blocker/id6480580480)

This app helps you reduce screen time by requiring physical activity to unlock distracting apps. Earn your app access by completing workouts like push-ups, squats, or reaching step goals. Take control of your digital habits and improve your health simultaneously.

**Highlights:** Earn app access through push-ups, squats, or steps, Block distracting apps until goals are met, App blocking scheduler, Set daily usage limits, Track focus minutes, Digital habit insights and reports, HealthKit integration for step tracking

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Pass | $3.99 | per month |
| Premium Pass | $19.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Blocks apps very well
- 👍 Free to use
- 👍 Innovative concept
- 👍 Effective screen time reduction
- 👍 Motivates exercise

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Push-up/squat tracking issues
- 🐛 Daily limits in free version
- 🐛 Limited free features
- 🐛 Unintuitive timer
- 🐛 Lacking features

**Reported bugs**

- Push-up counter can be cheated
- Squat counter can be cheated
- App keeps blocks after deletion
- Push-up system is faulty
- Squats not registered correctly

**Requested features**

- Accumulate screen time
- Start day with screen time
- Reset banked steps daily
- Widget for progress tracking
- Macbook app


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenZen free?

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

### Is StepBloc free?

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

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

ScreenZen is rated higher. ScreenZen averages 4.9 out of 5 from 49K ratings, while StepBloc averages 4.5 from 485 ratings.

### Do ScreenZen or StepBloc have ads?

Neither ScreenZen nor StepBloc shows ads.

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

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, and StepBloc weekly. Most recently, ScreenZen was updated on September 24, 2026 and StepBloc on September 24, 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.*