# Roots vs Reduce Screen Time

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Roots | Reduce Screen Time |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (2.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/roots-screen-time-control/id6446800962/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reduce-screen-time-mindrot/id6758914060/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **2.9K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 75.6% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 8 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 355 MB | 57 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MWM](https://appshunter.io/developer/452269707) | [Onur Cagan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1875719291) |

## What reviewers say

### Roots

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/roots-screen-time-control/id6446800962)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (18)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Roots Plus - Monthly Plan | $6.99 | per month |
| Premium | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Roots Plus - Weekly Plan | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Roots - Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Roots Plus - Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Roots - Monthly Plan | $19.99 | per month |
| Premium Pass | $19.99 | per month |
| Roots Plus - Annual Plan | $29.99 | per year |
| Premium | $39.99 | per year |
| Roots Plus - Annual Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Premium Pass | $59.99 | per year |
| Roots Plus - Annual Plan | $59.99 | per year |
| Premium | $69.99 | per year |
| Roots Plus - Annual Plan | $79.99 | per year |
| Premium Pass | $99.99 | per year |
| Premium | $99.99 | per year |
| Premium Pass | $99.99 | per year |
| Premium Pass | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful for reducing screen time
- 🚀 Effective in cutting down app usage
- 💡 Customizable app blocking and downtime settings
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 👍 Responsive customer support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional performance issues and bugs
- 🐛 Inconsistent app blocking and unblocking
- 🐛 Inaccurate screen time tracking
- 🐛 Difficulty deleting account or changing subscription
- 🐛 Frustrating when apps are locked unexpectedly

**Reported bugs**

- 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**

- 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

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reduce-screen-time-mindrot/id6758914060)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1-Week | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Annual D (1 Year) | $14.99 | per year |
| Annual (1 Year) | $24.99 | per year |
| Annual (1 Year) | $29.99 | per year |
| Annual (1-Week Free Trial) (1 Year) | $39.99 | per year |
| Annual (1-Week Free Trial) (1 Year) | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*