# ScreenZen vs ScrollBuddy

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ScreenZen at 93% against ScrollBuddy's 0%. ScreenZen also leads on rating (4.9 vs 3.9) and ratings volume (50K vs 9). ScrollBuddy's advantage is update cadence (every 9 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 ScrollBuddy sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 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 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScreenZen has 50K ratings behind it against 9, 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 0% of ScrollBuddy's.

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, ScrollBuddy every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenZen | ScrollBuddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (50K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews)** | [3.9 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scrollbuddy-screen-time/id6749676786/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **50K** | 9 |
| Positive reviews | **93.4% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#159** | — |
| Size | 159 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 26.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) | [Aaron Vinod](https://appshunter.io/developer/1809840522) |

## 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


### ScrollBuddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scrollbuddy-screen-time/id6749676786)

This app helps break addictive scrolling habits by introducing friction and scheduled limits. It allows you to set time budgets for your favorite social apps, offering gentle nudges and optional accountability with a partner. Focus on your well-being and reclaim your time with a kinder system.

**Highlights:** Scheduled time windows for app usage, Daily time budgets for apps, Kind block screens when time is up, Limit multiple social apps in one place, Micro-escape timers for breaks, Optional buddy accountability, Smart nudges and warnings

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium | $3.99 | per month |
| ScrollBuddy Monthly Premium | $12.99 | per month |
| Yearly Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| ScrollBuddy Annual Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Good buddy | $4.99 | one-time |
| Great buddy | $9.99 | one-time |
| Best buddy | $17.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Premium | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenZen free?

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

### Is ScrollBuddy free?

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

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

ScreenZen is rated higher. ScreenZen averages 4.9 out of 5 from 50K ratings, while ScrollBuddy averages 3.9 from 9 ratings.

### Do ScreenZen or ScrollBuddy have ads?

Neither ScreenZen nor ScrollBuddy shows ads.

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

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, and ScrollBuddy every 9 days. Most recently, ScreenZen was updated on October 13, 2026 and ScrollBuddy on October 5, 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.*