# BePresent vs Emberglow

The clearest difference is review sentiment: BePresent at 69% against Emberglow's 0%. BePresent also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.0) and ratings volume (71K vs 4). Emberglow's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BePresent sells 23 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Emberglow sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

BePresent holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BePresent has 71K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of BePresent's written reviews are positive against 0% of Emberglow's.

BePresent ships an update every 5 days, Emberglow every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BePresent | Emberglow |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (71K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bepresent-screen-time-control/id1644737181/reviews)** | [4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/emberglow-digital-detox/id6744365788/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **71K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **68.6% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#23** | — |
| Size | 106 MB | 84 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Screen Detox Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1644737183) | [Vaedros Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1807328427) |

## What reviewers say

### BePresent

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

**Currently charting:** #23 Top Grossing · Productivity, #31 Top Free · 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 (23)**

| 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 |
| BePresent Family | $59.99 | 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


### Emberglow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/emberglow-digital-detox/id6744365788)

This app transforms screen breaks into an RPG adventure. Lock your phone to send your hero on quests, and return to discover unfolding stories and rewards. It encourages reducing screen time and reconnecting with real life.

**Highlights:** Digital detox RPG, Progress happens offline, Mindful design, no ads, Branching storylines, Co-op quests, Reflection journal, Screen time control

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| unQuest Circle Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| unQuest Circle Annual | $29.99 | per year |
| unQuest Circle Lifetime Access | $79.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BePresent free?

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

### Is Emberglow free?

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

### Which has better reviews, BePresent or Emberglow?

BePresent is rated higher. BePresent averages 4.8 out of 5 from 71K ratings, while Emberglow averages 4.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do BePresent or Emberglow have ads?

BePresent shows ads; Emberglow does not.

### Which is updated more often, BePresent or Emberglow?

BePresent ships an update every 5 days, and Emberglow every 2 weeks. Most recently, BePresent was updated on October 30, 2026 and Emberglow on October 17, 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.*