# Detox vs TimeGuard

Detox and TimeGuard both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 54% of Detox's written reviews are positive against 0% of TimeGuard's. Detox also leads on ratings volume (454 vs 7) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Detox sells 20 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and TimeGuard sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Detox against 4.6 for TimeGuard. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Detox has 454 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 54% of Detox's written reviews are positive against 0% of TimeGuard's.

Detox ships an update every 8 days, TimeGuard weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Detox | TimeGuard |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (454 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/detox-digital-detox/id6450723324/reviews)** | [4.6 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timeguard-stop-doomscroll/id6569240222/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **454** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | **53.8% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 8 days | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 104 MB | 113 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Detox](https://appshunter.io/developer/1805850247) | [RMGO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1745937252) |

## What reviewers say

### Detox

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/detox-digital-detox/id6450723324)

This app helps you reduce screen time by blocking distracting applications after a set usage limit. It allows essential apps like messaging and maps to remain accessible, and offers scheduled blocking and immediate deep work sessions. Achieve a calmer digital life with improved focus and sleep.

**Highlights:** Consecutive usage limits for apps, Keep essential apps accessible, Scheduled app blocking, Block Now deep work sessions, Reduced frustration and willpower battles, Improved focus and sleep

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (20)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| monthly influencer free | $0.99 | per month |
| yearly influencer free | $0.99 | per year |
| Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $54.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $69.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $69.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Free | Free | one-time |
| Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Effective in reducing screen time
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 💡 Customizable blocking features
- 🚀 Helpful in improving productivity
- 👍 Responsive and supportive developers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤑 Paid subscription required
- 🐛 Crashing issues after updates
- 🔒 Concerns over privacy and data usage
- 🤔 Lack of free trial or free version
- 🤔 Misleading advertising about free usage

**Reported bugs**

- App not recognizing purchases and requiring re-subscription
- Blocking features not working as expected
- Sync issues between devices

**Requested features**

- Add option to block apps selectively instead of all-or-nothing
- Implement a scheduling feature to automatically block apps during certain times
- Provide more detailed usage analytics and reports
- Allow users to customize the app's appearance and branding


### TimeGuard

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timeguard-stop-doomscroll/id6569240222)

This app helps you regain control of your time by blocking distracting apps and websites. It offers personalized screen time reports, smart reminders, and custom focus sessions to improve concentration and productivity.

**Highlights:** Real-time app blocking, Personalized screen time reports, Smart reminders, Custom focus sessions, Deep focus mode, Rewards and milestones

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription | $19.99 | per month |
| TimeGuard Yearly With Trial | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $99.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Detox free?

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

### Is TimeGuard free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Detox or TimeGuard?

Detox is rated higher. Detox averages 4.6 out of 5 from 454 ratings, while TimeGuard averages 4.6 from 7 ratings.

### Do Detox or TimeGuard have ads?

Both Detox and TimeGuard show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Detox or TimeGuard?

Detox ships an update every 8 days, and TimeGuard weekly. Most recently, Detox was updated on October 30, 2026 and TimeGuard on October 24, 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.*