# Barrier vs Screenless

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Barrier at none against Screenless's 5. Barrier also leads on review sentiment (81% vs 50%) and ratings volume (345 vs 3). Screenless's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Screenless sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Barrier asks for nothing beyond the download.

Barrier holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Barrier has 345 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 81% of Barrier's written reviews are positive against 50% of Screenless's.

Barrier ships an update fortnightly, Screenless every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barrier | Screenless |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (345 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barrier-screen-time-for-focus/id6448244443/reviews)** | [4.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenless-screen-time-focus/id6738100496/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **345** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | **80.9% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 66 MB | 79 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Haplo, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1476210690) | [Maximillian Stabe](https://appshunter.io/developer/1779353472) |

## What reviewers say

### Barrier

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barrier-screen-time-for-focus/id6448244443)

This app helps you break free from social media distractions by limiting access to chosen applications. It introduces intentional delays or ad viewing to discourage mindless scrolling, promoting healthier digital habits and increased productivity.

**Highlights:** Social media app blocking, Intentional delays for app access, Ad-based access incentive, Digital wellness assistant, Promotes healthier digital habits, Reduces mindless scrolling

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Highly effective at reducing screen time
- 💰 Free to use with valuable features
- 😂 Funny and smart methods (Goblin Mode)
- 💡 Creates resistance to mindless scrolling
- 🚀 Simple and easy to use interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches causing unreliability
- 🐛 Blocking not always consistent
- 🐛 Custom schedules not working correctly
- 🐛 Ads can be long and annoying
- 🐛 Violent ads in some cases

**Reported bugs**

- Blocking does not work at correct times or remains blocked at incorrect times
- Blocking stops working after a while
- Apps remain unlocked after unlocking
- Streak keeps breaking for no reason
- Custom schedule does not unlock when it's supposed to

**Requested features**

- Ability to set different apps to lock during different times
- More flexibility in setting multiple check-in times
- Option to customize the duration after watching an ad
- Fix for custom schedule not working for overnight blocking
- Option to have a daily time limit per app


### Screenless

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenless-screen-time-focus/id6738100496)

This app helps you regain control of your digital habits by blocking distracting applications and setting usage limits. It offers features like app time limits, opening restrictions, and scheduled blocking to foster focus and productivity.

**Highlights:** App usage time limits, App opening restrictions, Mindful app opening delays, Scheduled app blocking, Instant app blocking sessions, Screen time streak challenges, Deep focus mode

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Plan | $6.99 | per month |
| Monthly Plan (Family) | $7.99 | per month |
| Annual Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Annual Plan (Family) | $56.99 | per year |
| Screenless Two Weeks | Free | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barrier free?

Barrier is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Screenless free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Barrier or Screenless?

Barrier is rated higher. Barrier averages 4.7 out of 5 from 345 ratings, while Screenless averages 4.3 from 3 ratings.

### Do Barrier or Screenless have ads?

Barrier shows ads; Screenless does not.

### Which is updated more often, Barrier or Screenless?

Barrier ships an update fortnightly, and Screenless every 2 weeks. Most recently, Barrier was updated on November 4, 2026 and Screenless on October 30, 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.*