# ScreenZen vs Halo

The clearest difference is ratings volume: ScreenZen at 53K against Halo's 15. ScreenZen also leads on chart position (#114 vs unranked). Halo's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ScreenZen sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and Halo sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. 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 5.0 for Halo. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScreenZen has 53K ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 93% of ScreenZen's written reviews are positive against 100% of Halo's.

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, Halo every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenZen | Halo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (53K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews) | **[5.0 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/halo-location-based-focus/id6756292368/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **53K** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | 93.4% of reviews | **100.0% 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 | **#114** | — |
| Size | 159 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) | [Halo Labs LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1859898594) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenZen

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

**Currently charting:** #114 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


### Halo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/halo-location-based-focus/id6756292368)

This app automatically limits distracting applications when you enter predefined locations like your desk or library. It helps you achieve focus for studying, deep work, or sleep without relying solely on willpower. Set up custom zones and track your progress towards healthier screen habits.

**Highlights:** Location-based focus zones, Automatic app blocking, Customizable screen time goals, Streak tracking for consistency, Preset focus modes (Study, Deep Work, Sleep), Dark theme support

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Halo Pro Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Halo Pro Yearly | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenZen free?

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

### Is Halo free?

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

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

Halo is rated higher. ScreenZen averages 4.9 out of 5 from 53K ratings, while Halo averages 5.0 from 15 ratings.

### Do ScreenZen or Halo have ads?

Neither ScreenZen nor Halo shows ads.

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

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, and Halo every 9 days. Most recently, ScreenZen was updated on October 27, 2026 and Halo 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.*