# ScreenZen vs Shelly

The clearest difference is monetization model: ScreenZen at free with in-app purchases against Shelly's subscription. ScreenZen also leads on ratings volume (50K vs 3) and chart position (#121 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 Shelly sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 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 Shelly. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScreenZen has 50K ratings behind it against 3, 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 Shelly's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenZen | Shelly |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (50K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shelly-screen-time-control/id6757734582/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **50K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 93.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#121** | — |
| Size | 159 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 18.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) | [Spindle Hyperlocal Solutions Private Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1780345822) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenZen

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

**Currently charting:** #121 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


### Shelly

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shelly-screen-time-control/id6757734582)

This app helps you build healthier phone habits with a visual motivator. It blocks distracting apps, offers focus schedules, and provides gentle breathing reminders to prevent mindless scrolling. Track your progress and improve your digital well-being.

**Highlights:** Visual motivation with a growing snail, App blocking and smart schedules, Breathing interventions, Shell Mode for total focus, Daily time allowances, Streak tracking, History and insights

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Plan | $5.99 | per month |
| One time offer | $24.99 | per year |
| Premium Plan | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenZen free?

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

### Is Shelly free?

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

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

Shelly is rated higher. ScreenZen averages 4.9 out of 5 from 50K ratings, while Shelly averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do ScreenZen or Shelly have ads?

Neither ScreenZen nor Shelly shows ads.

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

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, and Shelly every 3 weeks. Most recently, ScreenZen was updated on October 19, 2026 and Shelly on October 18, 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.*