Comparison

Roots vs Outwork

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Roots

This app helps you regain control of your phone usage by setting app limits, scheduling downtime, and participating in detox challenges. It provides insights into your screen time habits and offers features like 'Monk Mode' for focused periods. Aimed at improving well-being and reducing phone addiction.

Highlights
  • App and website blocking
  • Scheduled downtime
  • Phone detox challenges
  • Monk Mode for strict blocking
  • Digital dopamine monitoring
  • Daily goals and progress tracking
  • Personal balance score
Features
Read full description

Roots is the #1 screen time app. Set boundaries with your phone, and unlock more time.  Screen time has a major impact on our mental and physical wellbeing. We're here to help — with better app limits, digital downtime, daily goals, balance score, and more. Join thousands of people using Roots to build a better relationship with their phone. WHAT TO EXPECT - Better screen time management - Unlock 2 hours per day - Stop scrolling mindlessly - Cure your phone addiction - Detox from phone dopamine - Find better balance - Be more present - Stay focused BLOCK NOW - Start blocking apps at any time with one tap BETTER APP LIMITS - Block any app or website based on time limits or number of opens SCHEDULE DOWNTIME - Be intentional with "mindful mornings", "evening wind down", and more PHONE DETOX CHALLENGES - Personalized challenges to compete with yourself and friends - Challenges with neuroscientist and Roots Chief Science Officer, Tj Power BLOCK WITH "MONK MODE" - App blocking that doesn't let you unblock until tomorrow MONITOR DIGITAL DOPAMINE - Not all screen time is equal, so we help you understand the impact of each app DAILY GOALS - Set goals for screen time and phone pickups, and track your daily progress PERSONAL BALANCE SCORE - Daily score helps keep you accountable with beautiful illustrations and visuals SCREEN TIME TRENDS - View the progress and trends of your screen time journey BUILD A STREAK - Build a streak as you stay under limits, earn cheat days and custom app icons BLOCK ADULT WEBSITES - Keep yourself off adult websites once and for all DON’T JUST TAKE IT FROM US "We’re all guilty of being obsessed with our phones. Roots helps you break free." -- Tj Power, Neuroscientist and Author “It's beautiful, and it works” -- Jameston78 “This app does what it says” -- Casper-F “Worth every penny” -- Thehikingfool PRIVACY GUARANTEED We use Apple’s Screen Time API so all of your phone usage data stays on your phone. TERMS & CONDITIONS - Auto-Renewing Subscription Options: Roots Plus (Monthly or Annual) - Terms: https://www.getroots.app/terms - Privacy Policy: https://www.getroots.app/privacy-policy

About

Outwork

Read full description

Transform Your Life Today with Outwork! Are you ready to take charge of your life and unlock your full potential? Outwork is here to guide you on your self-improvement journey. Designed to elevate your daily routines, mental health, and overall well-being, Outwork is more than just an app – it's your personal development companion. Why Choose Outwork? Outwork combines cutting-edge technology with a user-friendly interface to help you track your routines, set and achieve goals, manage projects, and monitor your mental health. Whether you're striving for personal growth, better productivity, or a healthier lifestyle, Outwork has got you covered. Key Features: • Routine Tracking: Boost your productivity and achieve more every day with easy-to-manage daily tasks. Say goodbye to procrastination and hello to a more organized life. • Jacob Bot Motivation: Meet Jacob Bot, your friendly (or tough) AI chatbot. Whether you need a gentle nudge or a firm push, Jacob Bot is here to keep you motivated and on track. • Two Modes – Tough and Normal: Choose the mode that suits you best. Normal mode provides a balanced approach to self-improvement, while Tough mode is perfect for those who love challenges and want to push their limits. • Mental Health Monitoring: Prioritize your well-being with integrated tools designed to help you monitor and improve your mental health. Outwork is your partner in achieving a balanced and fulfilling life. • Goal Setting: Set meaningful goals and break them down into actionable tasks. Outwork helps you stay focused and motivated, making your dreams a reality. • Collaborative Projects: Work solo or team up with friends to tackle exciting projects. Outwork's collaboration features make it easy to stay connected and achieve together. • Expense Tracking: Take control of your finances by monitoring your expenses. Outwork helps you stay financially savvy, so you can focus on what truly matters. • Reading Progress: Keep track of the books you've read and inspire your intellectual growth. Outwork encourages you to expand your horizons and keep learning. • Level Up & Trophies: Level up your account and unlock amazing trophies as you progress. Celebrate your achievements and stay motivated with tangible rewards. Why Outwork Stands Out: Outwork is more than just a tool – it's a community of like-minded individuals striving for self-improvement. Join a supportive network that shares your passion for growth and development. With Outwork, you're never alone on your journey. Join the Outwork Community: Are you ready to transform your life? Download Outwork now and start your journey towards a better you. Whether you're aiming to boost your productivity, improve your mental health, or achieve your goals, Outwork is here to help you every step of the way. Get Started Today: Embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth with Outwork. Elevate your routines, stay motivated with Jacob Bot, and unlock your full potential. The path to a better you starts here – with Outwork. Download Outwork Now! Outwork is your ultimate self-improvement companion. Start tracking, achieving, and thriving today. Transform your life and become the best version of yourself with Outwork. The future is yours – take the first step now! Terms of Use (EULA) - https://sites.google.com/view/outwork-terms-of-use-eula/strona-g%C5%82%C3%B3wna

Screenshots

Roots4 screens
Outwork4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Outwork at daily against Roots's every 3 weeks. Outwork also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Roots sells 17 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and Outwork sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Roots ships an update every 3 weeks, Outwork daily. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Roots versus Outwork: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRootsOutwork
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (2.6K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews75.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings2.6K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksDaily — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size379 MB69 MB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperMWMJakub Sochacki

Bugs and requests

Roots

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Apps getting blocked when they shouldn't be
  • Screen time data not syncing correctly
  • Frequent app crashes and freezes
  • Subscription issues and inability to cancel
  • Trouble with the initial setup and syncing

Requested features

5 requests
  • Home screen and lock screen widgets
  • Customizable challenges and ability to share with friends
  • More options for the 'Do Not Disturb' mode
  • Improved analytics and progress tracking
  • Ability to easily adjust app limits without resetting

Outwork

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

17 purchases

Roots

Subscriptions17
  • Roots Plus - Monthly Plan$6.991 Month
  • Premium$7.997 Days
  • Roots Plus - Weekly Plan3 Days trial$7.997 Days
Show 14 more
  • Roots - Monthly Plan$9.991 Month
  • Roots Plus - Monthly Plan$9.991 Month
  • Roots - Monthly Plan$19.991 Month
  • Premium Pass7 Days trial$19.991 Month
  • Roots Plus - Annual Plan$29.991 Year
  • Premium$39.991 Year
  • Roots Plus - Annual Plan7 Days trial$49.991 Year
  • Premium Pass$59.991 Year
  • Roots Plus - Annual Plan7 Days trial$59.991 Year
  • Premium1 Month trial$69.991 Year
  • Roots Plus - Annual Plan$79.991 Year
  • Premium3 Days trial$99.991 Year
  • Premium Pass1 Month trial$99.991 Year
  • Premium Pass7 Days trial$99.991 Year
3 purchases

Outwork

Subscriptions3
  • Outwork Pro Month$6.991 Month
  • Outwork Pro 3 Months$15.993 Months
  • Outwork Pro Year$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Roots free?
Roots is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Outwork free?
Outwork is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Roots or Outwork have ads?
Neither Roots nor Outwork shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Roots or Outwork?
Roots ships an update every 3 weeks, and Outwork daily. Most recently, Roots was updated on September 25, 2026 and Outwork on September 11, 2026.

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