# ScreenZen vs Parkbench

The clearest difference is ratings volume: ScreenZen at 50K against Parkbench's 3. ScreenZen also leads on chart position (#136 vs unranked) and device support (3 vs 1). Parkbench's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ScreenZen sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and Parkbench sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 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 Parkbench. 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.

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, Parkbench every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenZen | Parkbench |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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/parkbench-app-blocker/id6761879071/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **50K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 93.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | **#136** | — |
| Size | 159 MB | 43 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) | [GADForge LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/916019631) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenZen

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

**Currently charting:** #136 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


### Parkbench

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parkbench-app-blocker/id6761879071)

This app helps you reduce screen time by blocking distracting apps and websites. Instead of opening them, you'll see a calming park scene that grows with your focus. Set schedules and time limits to protect your quiet hours.

**Highlights:** Block apps and websites, Visual focus timer with growing park, Customizable schedules, Time limits for apps, NFC tag integration, Privacy-focused design

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Parkbench Premium | $3.99 | per month |
| Parkbench Premium | $27.99 | per year |
| Parkbench Premium, Lifetime | $84.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenZen free?

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

### Is Parkbench free?

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

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

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

### Do ScreenZen or Parkbench have ads?

Neither ScreenZen nor Parkbench shows ads.

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

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, and Parkbench every 5 days. Most recently, ScreenZen was updated on October 19, 2026 and Parkbench 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.*