# BePresent vs Journal Buddy

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Journal Buddy at none against BePresent's 23. Journal Buddy also leads on ads (none vs shown). BePresent's advantage is chart position (#35 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.2). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BePresent sells 22 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Journal Buddy asks for nothing beyond the download.

## The numbers

| Metric | BePresent | Journal Buddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (64K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bepresent-screen-time-control/id1644737181/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **64K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 67.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days | — |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Best chart rank | **#35** | — |
| Size | 93 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 18.2 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Screen Detox Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1644737183) | [https://smilelink.app](https://appshunter.io/developer/1745788194) |

## What reviewers say

### BePresent

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bepresent-screen-time-control/id1644737181)

**Currently charting:** #35 Top Free · Productivity, #62 Top Grossing · Productivity (US App Store)

This app helps you regain control of your screen time through app blocking, gamified challenges, and real-life rewards. It encourages users to reduce phone usage, improve productivity, and enhance mental well-being by making digital detox engaging and beneficial.

**Highlights:** App Blocking Sessions (Individual, Group, BEAST MODE), Set Daily Goals and Build Streaks, Monetary Stakes for Commitment, Weekly Leaderboards and Friend Challenges, Earn Real-Life Rewards (e.g., subscriptions, classes), Hourly Scrolling Awareness Reminders, Time Tracking and Daily Reports

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

**In-app purchases (22)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Monthly (Mid Tier) | $6.99 | per month |
| Monthly (1-Week Free Trial) | $6.99 | per month |
| Monthly (1-Week Free Trial) | $9.99 | per month |
| Monthly (1-Week Free Trial) | $14.99 | per month |
| Annual | $24.99 | per year |
| Annual (Mid Tier) | $24.99 | per year |
| Annual (1-Week Free Trial) | $24.99 | per year |
| BePresent Pro (Annual) | $24.99 | per year |
| Free Trial for BePresent Pro | $24.99 | per year |
| Monthly (1-Week Free Trial) | $24.99 | per month |
| BePresent Pro (Annual) | $29.99 | per year |
| BePresent Pro Family | $39.99 | per year |
| Annual (1-Week Free Trial) | $39.99 | per year |
| Annual (High Tier) | $44.99 | per year |
| Annual (1-Week Free Trial) | $49.99 | per year |
| Annual (3-Day Free Trial) | $59.99 | per year |
| Annual (30-day Trial) | $59.99 | per year |
| Annual (1-Week Free Trial) | $59.99 | per year |
| Annual (2-week Free Trial) | $59.99 | per year |
| BePresent Pro Family (iCloud) | $99.99 | per year |
| Annual (1-Week Free Trial) | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Helps reduce screen time
- 👍 Gamification and rewards system
- 🤝 Ability to compete with friends
- 🕰️ Provides helpful notifications and reminders
- 💡 Innovative approach to tackling phone addiction

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent screen time tracking
- 🔒 Inability to selectively block apps
- 💰 Paywall for advanced features
- 🤖 Condescending and passive-aggressive notifications
- 🔧 Buggy and glitchy performance

**Reported bugs**

- Freezing and crashing issues
- Inaccurate screen time reporting
- Inability to restore purchases
- Persistent app blocking even after uninstallation
- Setup process getting stuck on permissions

**Requested features**

- Allow selective app blocking
- Exclude certain apps from screen time tracking
- More customization options for notifications
- Expand to iPad and other devices
- Improve overall stability and reliability


### Journal Buddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/journal-buddy/id6742668083)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BePresent free?

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

### Is Journal Buddy free?

Journal Buddy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do BePresent or Journal Buddy have ads?

BePresent shows ads; Journal Buddy does not.

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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.*