# The Routine vs Screen Time Control

The clearest difference is ads: The Routine at none against Screen Time Control's shown. The Routine also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

The Routine ships an update weekly, Screen Time Control every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Routine | Screen Time Control |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.4 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-focus-time/id6754756877/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **21** |
| Positive reviews | — | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | — | Ad-supported |
| Size | 26 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Curve Consulting Services Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1524855184) | [天瑜 贾](https://appshunter.io/developer/1849810172) |

## What reviewers say

### The Routine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-routine/id1596726157)

**In-app purchases:** none


### Screen Time Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-focus-time/id6754756877)

Manage your device usage with timers and smart app blocking to enhance focus. Build self-control through interactive challenges and reaction training. Includes eye care features for healthier screen time.

**Highlights:** Focus timers, Simulated lock screens, Smart app blocking, Decision challenges, Reaction training, Eye care features

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Routine free?

The Routine is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Screen Time Control free?

Screen Time Control is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do The Routine or Screen Time Control have ads?

Screen Time Control shows ads; The Routine does not.

### Which is updated more often, The Routine or Screen Time Control?

The Routine ships an update weekly, and Screen Time Control every 3 months. Most recently, The Routine was updated on October 7, 2026 and Screen Time Control on September 29, 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.*