# Detox vs Screen Time Control

The clearest difference is ads: Screen Time Control at none against Detox's shown. Screen Time Control also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and review sentiment (67% vs 54%). Detox's advantage is ratings volume (454 vs 2) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Detox sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and Screen Time Control sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Screen Time Control holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Detox has 454 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 54% of Detox's written reviews are positive against 67% of Screen Time Control's.

Detox ships an update every 8 days, Screen Time Control every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Detox | Screen Time Control |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (454 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/detox-digital-detox/id6450723324/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-headup/id6736939821/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **454** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 53.7% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 8 days | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 112 MB | 148 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Detox](https://appshunter.io/developer/1805850247) | [MIRRORHUB MCHJ](https://appshunter.io/developer/1802826489) |

## 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 (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Detox - Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Detox - Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| Detox - Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Detox - Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Detox - Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Detox - Yearly | $54.99 | per year |
| Detox - Yearly | $69.99 | per year |
| Detox - Yearly | $69.99 | per year |

**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


### Screen Time Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-headup/id6736939821)

This app helps you regain control of your digital life by managing screen time, blocking distractions, and boosting productivity. It offers features like app limits, scheduled blocking, and a Pomodoro timer to improve focus and mental well-being.

**Highlights:** Set daily app and website limits, Schedule app blocking, Limit social media scrolling, Pomodoro timer for focus, Track productivity and minimize distractions, Personalized customization options

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $8.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Annual | $19.99 | per year |
| Annual | $39.99 | per year |
| Annual | $39.99 | per year |
| 1 credit | $0.49 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Detox free?

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

### Is Screen Time Control free?

Screen Time Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Detox or Screen Time Control?

Screen Time Control is rated higher. Detox averages 4.6 out of 5 from 454 ratings, while Screen Time Control averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Detox or Screen Time Control have ads?

Detox shows ads; Screen Time Control does not.

### Which is updated more often, Detox or Screen Time Control?

Detox ships an update every 8 days, and Screen Time Control every 6 days. Most recently, Detox was updated on November 4, 2026 and Screen Time Control 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.*