# Pocus vs ScreenBuddy

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ScreenBuddy at 100% against Pocus's 52%. ScreenBuddy also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.9). Pocus's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pocus sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days and ScreenBuddy sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScreenBuddy holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 17 and 9 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of Pocus's written reviews are positive against 100% of ScreenBuddy's.

Pocus ships an update every 9 days, ScreenBuddy every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pocus | ScreenBuddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocus-limit-screen-time/id1667126271/reviews) | **[4.6 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenbuddy-app-blocker/id6748612438/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **17** | 9 |
| Positive reviews | 52.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 36 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.4** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ilia Stukalov](https://appshunter.io/developer/1004427873) | [John Gaffney](https://appshunter.io/developer/1826566834) |

## What reviewers say

### Pocus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocus-limit-screen-time/id1667126271)

This app helps you reduce phone usage and increase focus by blocking distracting applications. Set automatic or manual blocking schedules to concentrate on important tasks without notifications or access to chosen apps.

**Highlights:** Automatic app blocking, Notification silencing, Customizable time limits, Daily app restrictions, Manual deep focus mode, App usage tracking

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pocus Full | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Pocus full | $6.99 | per month |
| Pocus full | $29.99 | per 6 months |
| Pocus Full | $49.99 | per year |


### ScreenBuddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenbuddy-app-blocker/id6748612438)

This app helps reduce screen time by introducing friction before accessing selected apps. It offers personalized daily limits and a pause before unlocking to break unconscious phone usage habits and combat digital addiction.

**Highlights:** Block selected apps 24/7, Pause before unlocking apps, Personalized daily screen time limits, Breaks unconscious phone use habits, Reduces digital addiction, Focus enhancement for work and study

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ScreenBuddy Pro Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| ScreenBuddy Pro Annual | $39.99 | per year |
| ScreenBuddy Pro Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pocus free?

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

### Is ScreenBuddy free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Pocus or ScreenBuddy?

ScreenBuddy is rated higher. Pocus averages 3.9 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while ScreenBuddy averages 4.6 from 9 ratings.

### Do Pocus or ScreenBuddy have ads?

Neither Pocus nor ScreenBuddy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pocus or ScreenBuddy?

Pocus ships an update every 9 days, and ScreenBuddy every 3 weeks. Most recently, Pocus was updated on October 16, 2026 and ScreenBuddy on October 2, 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.*