# Screen Time Control vs Shadow

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Shadow at 64% against Screen Time Control's 0%. Shadow also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.4) and ratings volume (113 vs 22). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Screen Time Control sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and Shadow sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Shadow holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Shadow has 113 ratings behind it against 22, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of Screen Time Control's written reviews are positive against 64% of Shadow's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Screen Time Control | Shadow |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (22 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-focusmate/id1668064760/reviews) | **[4.7 (113 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-block-apps-and-focus/id1671650132/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 22 | **113** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **63.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 56 MB | 124 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.1 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ADAPPS SOFTWARE](https://appshunter.io/developer/1240972162) | [Adish Padhani](https://appshunter.io/developer/992727409) |

## What reviewers say

### Screen Time Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-focusmate/id1668064760)

Take control of your digital life with this powerful screen time manager and app blocker. Set limits, block distractions, and build healthier habits to reclaim your time and improve focus.

**Highlights:** Limit screen time, Block distracting apps and websites, Create distraction-free focus sessions, Structure day with focused intervals, Track screen time usage and progress, Temporarily relax restrictions

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Trial Weekly Premium | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| 3 Day Free | $12.99 | per month |
| Annual Premium | $34.99 | per year |
| 1 Week Free | $34.99 | per year |


### Shadow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-block-apps-and-focus/id1671650132)

This app helps you block distracting applications on your iOS device to improve focus and productivity. It offers a "Safe Zone" for uninterrupted work and robust parental controls to manage children's screen time. Your settings are protected with Face ID and passcode.

**Highlights:** Block distracting iOS applications, Create a "Safe Zone" for focused work, Parental controls for screen time management, Face ID and passcode protection, Develop good habits

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Subscription Trial | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription | $3.99 | per month |
| Monthly Subscription Trial | $3.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription Discount | $6.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription Discount | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription Discount | $17.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $34.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription With Trial | $34.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Screen Time Control free?

Screen Time Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Shadow free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Screen Time Control or Shadow?

Shadow is rated higher. Screen Time Control averages 4.4 out of 5 from 22 ratings, while Shadow averages 4.7 from 113 ratings.

### Do Screen Time Control or Shadow have ads?

Both Screen Time Control and Shadow show ads.

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

Screen Time Control ships an update every 2 months, and Shadow every 2 months. Most recently, Screen Time Control was updated on October 12, 2026 and Shadow on October 13, 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.*