# SciNote vs LightScroll

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SciNote at none against LightScroll's 2. SciNote also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 26.0). LightScroll's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 4 months). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. LightScroll sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. SciNote asks for nothing beyond the download.

SciNote ships an update every 4 months, LightScroll weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SciNote | LightScroll |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightscroll-less-screen-time/id6763098515/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **5** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 66 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Scinote LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1660589967) | [thelightware](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895161811) |

## What reviewers say

### SciNote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scinote/id1660589965)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### LightScroll

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightscroll-less-screen-time/id6763098515)

This app helps you manage your screen time by setting limits, adding intentional friction before opening distracting apps, and choosing consequences for exceeding your limits. It also allows for social accountability and progress tracking to build healthier digital habits.

**Highlights:** Set flexible screen time limits, Add friction before distracting apps, Choose consequences for exceeding limits, Accountability partner feature, Progress tracking and streaks, Hardcore mode for stricter control

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| LightScroll Plus Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| LightScroll Plus Annual | $34.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SciNote free?

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

### Is LightScroll free?

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

### Do SciNote or LightScroll have ads?

Neither SciNote nor LightScroll shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SciNote or LightScroll?

SciNote ships an update every 4 months, and LightScroll weekly. Most recently, SciNote was updated on September 9, 2026 and LightScroll on September 12, 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.*