# ScreenZen vs KnitCounter

The clearest difference is monetization model: KnitCounter at free against ScreenZen's free with in-app purchases. ScreenZen's advantage is ratings volume (54K vs 26) and chart position (#130 vs unranked). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ScreenZen sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and KnitCounter sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for ScreenZen against 4.8 for KnitCounter. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScreenZen has 54K ratings behind it against 26, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 93% and 94% positive.

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, KnitCounter every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on November 10, 2026 and November 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenZen | KnitCounter |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (54K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews)** | [4.8 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/knitcounter-row-counter/id6755443199/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **54K** | 26 |
| Positive reviews | 93.4% of reviews | **94.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#130** | — |
| Size | 159 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) | [Haley Barlar](https://appshunter.io/developer/1853929852) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenZen

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

**Currently charting:** #130 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


### KnitCounter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/knitcounter-row-counter/id6755443199)

This ad-free application helps knitters and crocheters track their project progress, including rows, repeats, and sections. It offers Apple Watch integration, pattern PDF viewing, and yarn stash management. Keep your projects organized and your focus on creating.

**Highlights:** Row and stitch counting with custom steps, Automatic repeat tracking, Apple Watch integration, Pattern PDF attachment and viewing, Yarn stash management, iCloud sync across devices, Project notes and checklists

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A Small Thank You | $1.99 | one-time |
| A Medium Thank You | $4.99 | one-time |
| A Large Thank You | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenZen free?

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

### Is KnitCounter free?

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

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

ScreenZen is rated higher. ScreenZen averages 4.9 out of 5 from 54K ratings, while KnitCounter averages 4.8 from 26 ratings.

### Do ScreenZen or KnitCounter have ads?

Neither ScreenZen nor KnitCounter shows ads.

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

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, and KnitCounter every 11 days. Most recently, ScreenZen was updated on November 10, 2026 and KnitCounter on November 9, 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.*