# ScreenZen vs Dumb Phone (dp)

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ScreenZen at 93% against Dumb Phone (dp)'s 68%. ScreenZen also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.6) and ratings volume (52K vs 3.9K). 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 Dumb Phone (dp) sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScreenZen holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScreenZen has 52K ratings behind it against 3.9K, 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 68% of Dumb Phone (dp)'s.

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, Dumb Phone (dp) every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenZen | Dumb Phone (dp) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (52K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews)** | [4.6 (3.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dumb-phone-dp/id6504743503/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **52K** | 3.9K |
| Positive reviews | **93.4% of reviews** | 68.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#171** | — |
| Size | 159 MB | 375 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **16.1** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) | [Michael Tigas](https://appshunter.io/developer/1364337001) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenZen

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

**Currently charting:** #171 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


### Dumb Phone (dp)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dumb-phone-dp/id6504743503)

Transform your iPhone into a minimalist device by replacing distracting app icons and notifications with simple buttons for essential apps. Create custom launchers for different contexts and utilize detox modes to reduce digital distractions.

**Highlights:** Create minimalist launchers, Select essential apps, Style Home Screen with themes, Block and hide non-essential apps, Quickly switch launchers via Control Center, Adapt to Liquid Glass changes

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dumb Phone Pro (1 month) | $2.99 | per month |
| Dumb Phone Pro (1 month) | $3.99 | per month |
| Dumb Phone Pro (1 month) | $5.99 | per month |
| Dumb Phone Pro (1 year) | $9.99 | per year |
| Dumb Phone Pro (1 year) | $12.99 | per year |
| Dumb Phone Pro (1 year) | $14.99 | per year |
| Dumb Phone Pro (1 year) | $19.99 | per year |
| Dumb Phone Pro Family (1 year) | $24.99 | per year |
| Dumb Phone Pro Lifetime | $24.99 | one-time |
| Dumb Phone Pro Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |
| Dumb Phone Pro Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |
| Dumb Phone Pro Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to set up
- 👍 Helps reduce screen time
- 👍 Customizable layout
- 👍 Responsive developer
- 🚀 Smooth app launching

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Clunky setup process
- 💡 Lack of widget customization
- 🔒 Hidden subscription model
- 🔒 Expensive for a widget app
- 🐛 Inconsistent app launching

**Reported bugs**

- Widget not appearing in list
- Apps opening through Shortcuts app
- Compatibility issues with older devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to hide App Library
- More widget customization options
- Customizable widget labels
- Detox mode for specific apps
- Support for more third-party apps


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenZen free?

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

### Is Dumb Phone (dp) free?

Dumb Phone (dp) is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, ScreenZen or Dumb Phone (dp)?

ScreenZen is rated higher. ScreenZen averages 4.9 out of 5 from 52K ratings, while Dumb Phone (dp) averages 4.6 from 3.9K ratings.

### Do ScreenZen or Dumb Phone (dp) have ads?

Neither ScreenZen nor Dumb Phone (dp) shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ScreenZen or Dumb Phone (dp)?

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, and Dumb Phone (dp) every 2 weeks. Most recently, ScreenZen was updated on October 24, 2026 and Dumb Phone (dp) on October 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.*