# Barrier vs ScrollBuddy

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Barrier at 80% against ScrollBuddy's 0%. Barrier also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.9) and in-app purchases (none vs 9). ScrollBuddy's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ScrollBuddy sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Barrier asks for nothing beyond the download.

Barrier holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Barrier has 308 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of Barrier's written reviews are positive against 0% of ScrollBuddy's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barrier | ScrollBuddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (308 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barrier-screen-time-for-focus/id6448244443/reviews)** | [3.9 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scrollbuddy-screen-time/id6749676786/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **308** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | **80.3% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 42 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 26.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Haplo, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1476210690) | [Aaron Vinod](https://appshunter.io/developer/1809840522) |

## 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 blocking access to social apps. It encourages healthier digital habits by requiring users to watch an ad or wait before accessing them, promoting mindful usage and digital wellness.

**Highlights:** Block social media apps, Limit app access, Promote healthier digital habits, Incentivize reduced scrolling, Digital wellness assistant

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### ScrollBuddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scrollbuddy-screen-time/id6749676786)

This app helps break addictive scrolling habits by introducing friction and scheduled limits. It allows you to set time budgets for your favorite social apps, offering gentle nudges and optional accountability with a partner. Focus on your well-being and reclaim your time with a kinder system.

**Highlights:** Scheduled time windows for app usage, Daily time budgets for apps, Kind block screens when time is up, Limit multiple social apps in one place, Micro-escape timers for breaks, Optional buddy accountability, Smart nudges and warnings

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium | $3.99 | per month |
| ScrollBuddy Monthly Premium | $12.99 | per month |
| Yearly Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| ScrollBuddy Annual Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Good buddy | $4.99 | one-time |
| Great buddy | $9.99 | one-time |
| Best buddy | $17.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Premium | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barrier free?

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

### Is ScrollBuddy free?

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

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

Barrier is rated higher. Barrier averages 4.7 out of 5 from 308 ratings, while ScrollBuddy averages 3.9 from 8 ratings.

### Do Barrier or ScrollBuddy have ads?

Barrier shows ads; ScrollBuddy does not.

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

Barrier ships an update fortnightly, and ScrollBuddy fortnightly. Most recently, Barrier was updated on September 23, 2026 and ScrollBuddy on September 18, 2026.

---

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