Comparison

Roots vs Reduce Screen Time

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

Reduce Screen Time

Take control of your digital life with this app designed to help you reclaim focus and boost productivity. Block distracting apps, set custom focus sessions, and track your screen time with insightful analytics. It aims to help you build a healthier relationship with your phone and reduce anxiety.

Highlights
  • Customizable app blocking
  • Nudges to stop doomscrolling
  • Instant Zen Mode for focus
  • Scheduled focus sessions
  • Gamified leaderboards and achievements
  • In-depth screen time analytics
  • Mindful breathing sessions
Features
Read full description

Block Apps and Take Control of Your Digital Life with Mindrot Stop doomscrolling and start living. Mindrot is the ultimate all-in-one screen time controller designed to help you reclaim your focus, boost your productivity, and improve your mental well-being. Whether you’re battling social media addiction, managing your focus distractions, or simply want more presence in your daily life, Mindrot provides the tools you need to build a healthier relationship with your phone. We spend an average of 5 to 6 hours a day on our screens, often without even realizing it. Mindrot changes the game by turning digital detox into a rewarding, personalized journey! KEY FEATURES Total Personalization & App Blocking You are in the driver’s seat. Select exactly which apps to block, when to block them, and for how long. Our advanced app blocker allows you to create custom lists so you can stay away from distractions while keeping your essential tools accessible! Nudges to Stop Doomscrolling Do you constantly find yourself switching from one social media app to another on your phone? Can’t stop yourself from doomscrolling? Don’t worry, we’ve got the solution! With our new Nudges feature, you can finally put an end to endless doomscrolling. It’s all in your hands: choose the app you spend the most time doomscrolling on, and while you use it, we’ll send you reminders at set intervals. Instant Zen Mode Need to focus right now? With a single tap, activate Zen Mode to instantly block all distracting apps. No complex setups or manual adjustments, just immediate peace of mind whenever you need to dive into deep work or enjoy your dinner without your phone. Scheduled Sessions Set it and forget it. Create Scheduled Sessions for your work hours, study time, or sleep routine. Once configured, your sessions start automatically according to your chosen days and times. Your initial settings are saved, so your focus routine runs like clockwork every single week. Gamified Leaderboards & Achievements Quitting your screen habit doesn't have to be boring. Earn points for every detox and successful focus session you complete. Climb the Global Leaderboard, compete with other users, and unlock Achievements as you hit new milestones. Turn your productivity into a win! In-Depth Screen Time Analytics Knowledge is power. Visit the Screen Time Screen to access comprehensive data on your usage. See exactly how much time you spend on your phone throughout the week and identify which apps are eating up your day. Clear, easy-to-read charts help you track your progress over time. Mindful Breathing Sessions Mindrot isn't just about blocking; it’s about balance. If you feel the urge to check your phone, take a moment for yourself with our built-in Breathing Sessions. These guided exercises help reduce anxiety and recenter your focus before you jump back into your tasks. WHY MINDROT? Reduce Anxiety: Break the dopamine loop of constant notifications. Boost Productivity: Spend more time on what actually matters. Improve Sleep: Block stimulating apps before bed for a better night's rest. Support Mental Health: Combat the negative effects of social media and ADHD distractions. Join thousands of users who are reclaiming their time and mental clarity. Mindrot is more than just an app blocker, it’s your partner in digital wellness. Looking for the best app to reduce screen time and block apps? Download Mindrot today and turn your screen time into life time. Privacy Policy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cHNyayF2nW2XHrn6TxQsO5z0Z62OkDyvFMdUV9r56hA/edit?tab=t.0 Terms of Use: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1l6CEfJHx59UfYanlz2XquUKF9Rm3OKa6fwhZeLMSPfQ/edit?tab=t.0

Screenshots

Roots4 screens
Reduce Screen Time4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ratings volume: Roots at 2.9K against Reduce Screen Time's 4. Reduce Screen Time's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 76%) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 18 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and Reduce Screen Time sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Reduce Screen Time holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Roots has 2.9K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of Roots's written reviews are positive against 100% of Reduce Screen Time's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Roots ships an update every 2 weeks, Reduce Screen Time every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Roots versus Reduce Screen Time: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRootsReduce Screen Time
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (2.9K ratings)5.0 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews75.6% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings2.9K — better4
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 8 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS18.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size355 MB57 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMWMOnur Cagan

Customer experience

Roots

All ratings2,867 ratings
Positive94.4%
Neutral1.8%
Negative3.8%
Written reviews369 reviews
Positive75.6%
Neutral5.1%
Negative19.2%

Reduce Screen Time

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

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

Reduce Screen Time

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

18 purchases

Roots

Subscriptions18
  • Roots Plus - Monthly Plan$6.991 Month
  • Premium$7.997 Days
  • Roots Plus - Weekly Plan3 Days trial$7.997 Days
Show 15 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
  • Premium Pass1 Year trial$99.991 Year
  • Premium3 Days trial$99.991 Year
  • Premium Pass1 Month trial$99.991 Year
  • Premium Pass7 Days trial$99.991 Year
7 purchases

Reduce Screen Time

Subscriptions7
  • 1-Week$4.997 Days
  • Monthly3 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Annual D (1 Year)7 Days trial$14.991 Year
Show 4 more
  • Annual (1 Year)$24.991 Year
  • Annual (1 Year)7 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Annual (1-Week Free Trial) (1 Year)7 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Annual (1-Week Free Trial) (1 Year)7 Days trial$49.991 Year

Questions

Is Roots free?
Roots is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Reduce Screen Time free?
Reduce Screen Time is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Roots or Reduce Screen Time?
Reduce Screen Time is rated higher. Roots averages 4.8 out of 5 from 2.9K ratings, while Reduce Screen Time averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.
Do Roots or Reduce Screen Time have ads?
Neither Roots nor Reduce Screen Time shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Roots or Reduce Screen Time?
Roots ships an update every 2 weeks, and Reduce Screen Time every 8 days. Most recently, Roots was updated on October 14, 2026 and Reduce Screen Time on October 1, 2026.

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