# ScreenZen vs Screen Time Control

The clearest difference is ratings volume: ScreenZen at 50K against Screen Time Control's 18. ScreenZen also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.7) and review sentiment (93% vs 80%). 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 Screen Time Control sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 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 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScreenZen has 50K ratings behind it against 18, 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 80% of Screen Time Control's.

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, Screen Time Control every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenZen | Screen Time Control |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (50K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews)** | [4.7 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-catnap/id6755939766/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **50K** | 18 |
| Positive reviews | **93.4% of reviews** | 80.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#148** | — |
| Size | 159 MB | 62 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) | [Format Partners LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1787987686) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenZen

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

**Currently charting:** #148 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


### Screen Time Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-catnap/id6755939766)

This app helps you reduce screen time by requiring a photo of your pet to access distracting apps. It uses image recognition to verify your pet and tracks your progress in reclaiming lost hours. Multiple modes are available for focused work or social accountability.

**Highlights:** Pet photo verification for app access, Block any distracting app, Screen time tracking and stats, Streak tracking for habit building, Multiple CatKey support, Loop, Focus, and Contract modes

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CatNap - Premium Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| CatNap - Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| CatNap - Premium Annual Coupon | $24.99 | per year |
| CatNap - Premium Annual | $39.99 | per year |
| CatNap - Premium Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenZen free?

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

### Is Screen Time Control free?

Screen Time Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, ScreenZen or Screen Time Control?

ScreenZen is rated higher. ScreenZen averages 4.9 out of 5 from 50K ratings, while Screen Time Control averages 4.7 from 18 ratings.

### Do ScreenZen or Screen Time Control have ads?

Neither ScreenZen nor Screen Time Control shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ScreenZen or Screen Time Control?

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, and Screen Time Control every 10 days. Most recently, ScreenZen was updated on October 18, 2026 and Screen Time Control on October 13, 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.*