# ScreenZen vs DialUp

The clearest difference is ratings volume: ScreenZen at 52K against DialUp's 3. ScreenZen also leads on chart position (#117 vs unranked) and device support (3 vs 1). 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 DialUp sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. 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 DialUp. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScreenZen has 52K 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 DialUp's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenZen | DialUp |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (52K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dialup-intentional-access/id6802208268/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **52K** | 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 | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | **#117** | — |
| Size | 159 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 26.5 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) | [ARLEX AI LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1882415920) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenZen

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

**Currently charting:** #117 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


### DialUp

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dialup-intentional-access/id6802208268)

This app helps you be more intentional with your phone usage by creating a deliberate connection ritual before accessing distracting apps. You choose how long an app remains available, and a unique dial-up animation plays during the connection. It offers a free tier for one app and a Pro version with advanced features and unlimited app protection.

**Highlights:** Deliberate app access ritual, Customizable connection durations, Full dial-up sound and animation, Protect one app (free tier), Unlimited app protection (Pro), Scheduled app access, Private progress reports

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DialUp Pro Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| DialUp Pro Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| DialUp Pro Annual | $19.99 | per year |
| DialUp Pro Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenZen free?

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

### Is DialUp free?

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

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

DialUp is rated higher. ScreenZen averages 4.9 out of 5 from 52K ratings, while DialUp averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do ScreenZen or DialUp have ads?

Neither ScreenZen nor DialUp shows ads.

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

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, and DialUp every 3 weeks. Most recently, ScreenZen was updated on October 26, 2026 and DialUp 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.*