# ScreenZen vs Harbor

The clearest difference is update cadence: Harbor at daily against ScreenZen's every 3 weeks. ScreenZen's advantage is ratings volume (53K vs 1) and chart position (#150 vs unranked). 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 Harbor sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 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 Harbor. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScreenZen has 53K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, Harbor daily. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenZen | Harbor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (53K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/harbor-screen-time-together/id6802499163/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **53K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 93.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | **#150** | — |
| Size | 159 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) | [NOAH ANTHONY JOHNSON](https://appshunter.io/developer/6802499165) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenZen

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

**Currently charting:** #150 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


### Harbor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/harbor-screen-time-together/id6802499163)

This app helps you manage screen time by involving a trusted friend or family member. Choose between accountability levels where your Anchor can approve or decline requests for extra time, or simply be informed of your choices. It offers flexible modes for self-management and ensures your phone activity remains private.

**Highlights:** Anchor-supported screen time blocking, Approve/decline time requests, Private by design, no monitoring, Set daily limits and schedules, Request temporary access, Flexible mode for self-management

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Harbor Plus Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| Harbor Plus Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenZen free?

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

### Is Harbor free?

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

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

Harbor is rated higher. ScreenZen averages 4.9 out of 5 from 53K ratings, while Harbor averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do ScreenZen or Harbor have ads?

Neither ScreenZen nor Harbor shows ads.

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

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, and Harbor daily. Most recently, ScreenZen was updated on October 28, 2026 and Harbor on October 15, 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.*