# ScreenZen vs PushToPlay

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ScreenZen at 93% against PushToPlay's 50%. ScreenZen also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.5) and ratings volume (49K vs 27). PushToPlay's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days 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 PushToPlay sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. 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 27, 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 50% of PushToPlay's.

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, PushToPlay every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and July 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenZen | PushToPlay |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (49K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews)** | [4.5 (27 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pushtoplay-reduce-screen-time/id6670372672/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **49K** | 27 |
| Positive reviews | **93.4% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#187** | — |
| Size | 159 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) | [Jai Chawla](https://appshunter.io/developer/1762338285) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenZen

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

**Currently charting:** #187 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


### PushToPlay

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pushtoplay-reduce-screen-time/id6670372672)

This app transforms screen time management into a fitness challenge. It blocks distracting apps and requires users to complete pushups, counted by advanced AI camera technology, to unlock them. It helps build healthier digital habits and a consistent exercise routine.

**Highlights:** Block apps with pushups, AI camera pushup counting, Custom blocking schedules, Digital detox, Gamified self-improvement, Usage analytics

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Membership | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Membership | $24.99 | per year |
| Yearly Membership | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenZen free?

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

### Is PushToPlay free?

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

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

ScreenZen is rated higher. ScreenZen averages 4.9 out of 5 from 49K ratings, while PushToPlay averages 4.5 from 27 ratings.

### Do ScreenZen or PushToPlay have ads?

Neither ScreenZen nor PushToPlay shows ads.

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

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, and PushToPlay every 2 days. Most recently, ScreenZen was updated on September 26, 2026 and PushToPlay on July 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.*