# ClearSpace vs Recode

The clearest difference is rating: ClearSpace at 4.7 against Recode's 4.2. ClearSpace also leads on ratings volume (8.9K vs 5). Recode's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ClearSpace sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and Recode sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ClearSpace holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ClearSpace has 8.9K ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of ClearSpace's written reviews are positive against 67% of Recode's.

ClearSpace ships an update every 2 weeks, Recode weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ClearSpace | Recode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (8.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/clearspace-reduce-screen-time/id1572515807/reviews)** | [4.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/recode-screen-time-control/id6752352978/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **8.9K** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | **69.3% of reviews** | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 80 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [clearspace](https://appshunter.io/developer/1653276930) | [Alexander Hartigan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1839013984) |

## What reviewers say

### ClearSpace

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/clearspace-reduce-screen-time/id1572515807)

This app helps you regain control of your phone usage by making your device less addictive. It offers tools to block distractions, manage app time, and build better digital habits. Achieve greater focus, productivity, and mental well-being by reducing impulse opens and doomscrolling.

**Highlights:** Block and limit distracting apps, Manage social media doomscrolling, Set schedules for app usage, Build better digital habits, Engage in attention-building challenges, Minimalist and straightforward design, Accountability partners for goals, Detailed screen time reporting

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ClearSpace Premium (Monthly) | $6.99 | per month |
| Clearspace Premium Student | $9.99 | per year |
| ClearSpace Premium (Annual) | $44.99 | per year |
| Clearspace Premium | $44.99 | per year |
| Clearspace Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Clearspace Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Clearspace Premium | $59.99 | per year |
| Clearspace Premium Family | $79.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helps reduce screen time
- 🚀 Effective at limiting app usage
- 💡 Breathing exercise and quotes are helpful
- 🤖 Tracks app usage well
- 🤔 Makes users more mindful about phone usage

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and laggy performance
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔓 Allows bypassing restrictions
- 🤖 Limited to one app in free version
- 🤔 Breathing exercise can be annoying

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when trying to block apps
- Notification issues and UI glitches
- Inconsistent tracking of app usage
- Problems with phone number verification

**Requested features**

- Allow blocking multiple apps in free version
- Add more exercise options beyond just breathing
- Provide more customization options
- Integrate with other fitness/health tracking apps
- Improve website/app blocking capabilities


### Recode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/recode-screen-time-control/id6752352978)

This app helps you regain focus by physically preventing access to distracting applications. It requires scanning a QR or barcode to unlock apps, creating friction that discourages reflex checking and promotes productivity.

**Highlights:** Physical app blocking via QR/barcode scan, Accountability through intentional unlocking, Reduces reflex app checking, Promotes focus and productivity, Customizable app blocking schedules

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly | $19.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ClearSpace free?

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

### Is Recode free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ClearSpace or Recode?

ClearSpace is rated higher. ClearSpace averages 4.7 out of 5 from 8.9K ratings, while Recode averages 4.2 from 5 ratings.

### Do ClearSpace or Recode have ads?

ClearSpace shows ads; Recode does not.

### Which is updated more often, ClearSpace or Recode?

ClearSpace ships an update every 2 weeks, and Recode weekly. Most recently, ClearSpace was updated on October 12, 2026 and Recode 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.*