Screen Time Control vs SelfBlock
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
Screen Time Control
Regain control of your productivity by restricting access to distracting apps. Set daily limits, schedules, and receive reminders to stay focused and reduce impulse usage. Improve your attention and build healthier mobile habits.
- Restrict access to selected apps
- Block apps during focus sessions
- Set daily app time limits
- Schedule app blocking times
- Receive time limit reminders
- Reduce distractions and multitasking
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Features β’ Select the apps you want to restrict access to and regain control of your productivity. β’ Block apps while focused, and you can always take a break to temporarily unblock them. β’ Set app limits, block when a daily limits is reached (ex. 30 minutes). β’ Get timely reminder notifications when reach a time limits. β’ Set schedules for when to block apps (ex. every weekday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). β’ Helps you control impulse clicks, reduce social media opens. β’ Work better by reducing distractions and multitasking. β’ Be more mindful of how you invest your time and attention. β’ Reduce the use of mobile phone and maintain good health habits. β’ Get a better night's sleep without getting lost in the scroll. Most of the app's content is free. Some selected features require the purchase of a full version in the app. These prices are in U.S. dollars (USD) and pricing may vary in other currencies and countries. Actual fees may be converted to your local currency, depending on your country of residence. Tips App Lock use Apple's Screen Time API in order to block apps. App Lock can't access and will never see your private data (apps used, what you've viewed, etc). Works entirely on your phone and personal browsing data never leaves your device.
SelfBlock
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Every blocker fails the same way: you turn it off. SelfBlock doesn't let you. When you try to open a blocked app, a friend gets the request β and they decide. No friend available? Ask the anonymous community instead. Someone always answers. βΊ BUDDY SYSTEM When you try to open a blocked app, your buddy gets a request. They set the time and decide for you. They can respond instantly from a notification or Apple Watch. βΊ COMMUNITY MODE Don't want to assign a friend? Get anonymous support from the community. A random user reviews your request. Your identity stays hidden. βΊ 5 BLOCKING MODES β Full Block: Completely prevent app access β Schedule: Auto-block during work, study, or sleep hours β Usage Limit: Set daily time limits per app β Open Limit: Control how many times you open an app β Solo Mode: Manage with your own willpower βΊ BLOCK ANY APP Block YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X (Twitter), Facebook, Reddit, WhatsApp, Discord and any distracting app or website. βΊ LIVE FOCUS TRACKING β Daily focus moment counter and day streak β Weekly report with progress summary β Daily check-in to track your mood β Home screen widgets and Live Activity support βΊ APPLE WATCH Approve or reject requests from your wrist. Track focus stats right from your watch face. βΊ CUSTOM SHIELD THEMES Personalize your block screen with 6 themes and custom colors. βΊ STRICT MODE Prevent bypassing blocks with PIN code, wait timer, or time lock. Extra protection options: block app installs, deletions, and in-app purchases. βΊ PRIVACY FIRST SelfBlock uses Apple's Screen Time API (Family Controls). Your data stays on your device. No tracking, no ads. βΊ FREE TO START Download free and start using right away. Go Pro for unlimited buddy and community mode, custom themes, weekly reports, strict mode, and more. SelfBlock works as a screen time blocker, app blocker, phone addiction tool, digital detox app, focus timer, social media blocker, dopamine detox aid, website blocker, app lock, and productivity tool. Compatible with Apple Watch and Home Screen widgets. Terms of Use: https://ismailpalalii.github.io/selfblock-site/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://ismailpalalii.github.io/selfblock-site/privacy.html
Screenshots
Verdict
Screen Time Control and SelfBlock are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters β price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them β neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Screen Time Control sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and SelfBlock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Screen Time Control | SelfBlock |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | β |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | β |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, Apple Watch β better |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 β better | 18.6 |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 9 MB | 58 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Deebex Tech Ltd. | ismail Hakki Palali |
In-app purchases
Screen Time Control
- Upgrade to Pro$19.99
SelfBlock
- Pro Monthly$4.491 Month
- Pro Yearly3 Days trial$27.491 Year
- Pro Lifetime$82.99
Questions
Is Screen Time Control free?
Is SelfBlock free?
Do Screen Time Control or SelfBlock have ads?
Which is updated more often, Screen Time Control or SelfBlock?
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