# ScreenZen vs Bonfire

The clearest difference is rating: ScreenZen at 4.9 against Bonfire's 4.4. ScreenZen also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (93% vs 63%). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ScreenZen sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and Bonfire sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScreenZen holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScreenZen has 49K ratings behind it against 65, 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 63% of Bonfire's.

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, Bonfire every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenZen | Bonfire |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (49K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews)** | [4.4 (65 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bonfire-screen-time-blocker/id6498787504/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **49K** | 65 |
| Positive reviews | **93.4% of reviews** | 62.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#168** | — |
| Size | 159 MB | 77 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) | [Offbeat Apps LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1694629081) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenZen

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

**Currently charting:** #168 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


### Bonfire

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bonfire-screen-time-blocker/id6498787504)

This app helps reduce excessive phone usage and improve focus. It offers features like app blocking, real-time focus feedback, and progress tracking to enhance productivity and well-being. Manage your digital habits and build structured routines for a better quality of time spent on your device.

**Highlights:** App blocking, Focus reporting, Real-time focus score, Scheduled focus sessions, Digital habit management, Productivity enhancement

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bonfire Premium | $9.99 | per year |
| Bonfire Premium | $9.99 | per year |
| Bonfire Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| Bonfire Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Bonfire Premium | $59.99 | per year |
| Bonfire Premium | $59.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenZen free?

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

### Is Bonfire free?

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

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

ScreenZen is rated higher. ScreenZen averages 4.9 out of 5 from 49K ratings, while Bonfire averages 4.4 from 65 ratings.

### Do ScreenZen or Bonfire have ads?

Bonfire shows ads; ScreenZen does not.

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

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, and Bonfire every 6 weeks. Most recently, ScreenZen was updated on September 24, 2026 and Bonfire on September 23, 2026.

---

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