Comparison

EffortList vs Screen Time Control

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

Head to head
About

EffortList

Features
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Effortlist brings simplicity back to task management. Designed for people who want to get things done without wrestling with complicated features, Effortlist focuses on what matters: organizing your tasks efficiently across all your devices. Seamless Multi-Device Sync your tasks sync instantly across iPhone, iPad, and Mac through Firebase. Check off a task on your phone during your commute, and it's already updated when you open your laptop. No manual syncing, no conflicts, no lost data - it just works. Project-Based Organization Group related tasks into projects with an intuitive tab-based interface. Each project maintains its own task list, making it easy to focus on one area at a time. Whether you're managing work deadlines, home improvements, or personal goals, keep everything organized without overwhelming complexity. Smart Task Management • Create tasks with a simple tap or keystroke • Add detailed subtasks for complex items • Mark tasks as focused to highlight priorities • Completed tasks automatically move to the bottom • Reorder tasks with drag-and-drop simplicity Built for Real Work Effortlist handles the realities of task management: tasks that move between projects, changing priorities, and the need to quickly capture ideas without disrupting your flow. The app maintains data integrity even when switching between devices rapidly or working offline. Privacy-Focused Design Your data syncs through your personal Firebase account with anonymous authentication available. No social features, no public profiles, no distractions - just you and your tasks. Enable Apple Sign In for additional security and account recovery options. Thoughtful Details • Automatic order normalization prevents display glitches • Smart conflict resolution handles simultaneous edits • Keyboard shortcuts for power users • Clean, native interface that follows iOS and macOS design guidelines • Dark mode support for comfortable viewing anytime Perfect For: • Professionals juggling multiple projects • Students organizing assignments and deadlines • Anyone who's tired of overcomplicated task apps • People who need reliable sync between devices • Users who value privacy and data ownership No Subscriptions, No Complexity Effortlist is a one-time purchase with no recurring fees. All features are included from day one. No premium tiers, no artificial limitations, no ads. Just a well-crafted tool that respects your time and privacy. Whether you're managing a complex work project or simply keeping track of daily errands, Effortlist provides the perfect balance of power and simplicity. It's task management that gets out of your way and lets you focus on what needs to be done.

About

Screen Time Control

This app helps you regain control of your phone usage by blocking distracting applications and scheduling focused work sessions. Gamified elements and progress tracking keep you motivated to reduce screen time and improve mental well-being.

Highlights
  • Block distracting apps
  • Schedule app usage
  • Gamified motivation
  • Track screen time progress
  • Personalized tips
  • Set personal goals
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Can’t manage the amount of time you spend on your phone? Constantly getting sucked into scrolling, swiping, messaging, posts, videos, games? We’re here to help! Block the apps that eat up too much of your time and invest it in your development instead! Reduce brain rot, increase brain nourishment. Be in control of your time and improve your mental health! Fewer hours of screen time -> more fulfilling life. Not sure you can do this on your own? You don’t have to. Our mascot Finik will guide you every step of the way. Finik will make sure you stay motivated and have fun in the process! Ready to enhance your focus and become more productive? Then hop on, and let’s begin! BLOCK APPS - Restrict access to any “harmful” app. - Set the duration of blocking. - Select specific apps or block all apps at once. - Add apps to a blocklist or allowlist. SCHEDULE - Choose the time and days when the selected apps get blocked. - Create your own sessions or pick one of the predefined ones (morning, evening, focus, etc.). BREAKS Changed your mind? Need urgent access? Pause your session for up to 15 minutes. MAKE IT FUN Turn it into a game: take on challenges, earn rewards and fuel your motivation! STREAK & PROGRESS - See how well you’re doing. - Stick to your block schedule to keep your streak alive. - Stay inspired with daily quotes. - Earn achievements for completing tasks and reaching milestones. REPORT - Compare your screen time by day or week. - See how many sessions you’ve completed. - Get personalized tips to become more efficient. PROFILE - Create a profile to track your progress easily. - Set the goals you want to achieve. - Adjust your goals anytime. Have any questions or suggestions? Want to share your impressions? Feel free to drop us a line at finik@irontech.mobi Terms of Use: https://irontech.mobi/finik/ios/terms Privacy Policy: https://irontech.mobi/finik/ios/privacy About Subscription: Finik_Subscription Services_iOS.html

Screenshots

EffortList4 screens
Screen Time Control4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: EffortList at none against Screen Time Control's 6. EffortList also leads on iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18.0). Screen Time Control's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly). On price, ads and device support 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. Screen Time Control sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. EffortList asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

EffortList ships an update monthly, Screen Time Control every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
EffortList versus Screen Time Control: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterEffortListScreen Time Control
PriceFreeFree
Rating—3.9 (11 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—11 — better
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.4 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB109 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerfrancesco gugliuzziIRONTECH LIMITED

In-app purchases

None

EffortList

No in-app purchases

6 purchases

Screen Time Control

Subscriptions6
  • 1-week Finik Premium$4.997 Days
  • 1-month Finik Premium$9.991 Month
  • 1-year Finik Premium$24.991 Year
Show 3 more
  • 30 days Finik Premium for 4.991 Month trial$39.991 Year
  • 1-year Finik Premium$39.991 Year
  • Annual (1-week free trial)7 Days trial$39.991 Year

Questions

Is EffortList free?
EffortList is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Screen Time Control free?
Screen Time Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do EffortList or Screen Time Control have ads?
Neither EffortList nor Screen Time Control shows ads.
Which is updated more often, EffortList or Screen Time Control?
EffortList ships an update monthly, and Screen Time Control every 2 weeks. Most recently, EffortList was updated on October 7, 2026 and Screen Time Control on October 16, 2026.

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