# ScreenZen vs STFU

The clearest difference is rating: ScreenZen at 4.9 against STFU's 4.0. ScreenZen also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (53K vs 4). STFU's advantage is update cadence (daily vs every 3 weeks). On price, review sentiment, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ScreenZen sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and STFU sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScreenZen holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScreenZen has 53K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 93% of ScreenZen's written reviews are positive against 100% of STFU's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, STFU daily. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenZen | STFU |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (53K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews)** | [4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stfu-app-blocker-and-focus/id6805089131/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **53K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 93.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#151** | — |
| Size | 159 MB | 33 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) | [Christopher Riley](https://appshunter.io/developer/6778005973) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenZen

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

**Currently charting:** #151 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


### STFU

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stfu-app-blocker-and-focus/id6805089131)

This app helps you regain control of your time by blocking distracting social media apps and websites. Set timed sessions or schedules for a hard mute, track your progress, and challenge friends to build better habits.

**Highlights:** Block social apps and websites, Run timed blocking sessions, Set scheduled locks, Track protected time and streaks, Challenge friends and climb leaderboards, Earn rewards for staying focused

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| STFU Pro Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| STFU Pro Annual | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenZen free?

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

### Is STFU free?

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

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

ScreenZen is rated higher. ScreenZen averages 4.9 out of 5 from 53K ratings, while STFU averages 4.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do ScreenZen or STFU have ads?

STFU shows ads; ScreenZen does not.

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

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, and STFU daily. Most recently, ScreenZen was updated on November 8, 2026 and STFU on October 31, 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.*