# Screen Time Control vs SelfBlock

Screen Time Control and SelfBlock are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Screen Time Control | SelfBlock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 9 MB | 58 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Deebex Tech Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/734250368) | [ismail Hakki Palali](https://appshunter.io/developer/1653363899) |

## What reviewers say

### Screen Time Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-app-lock/id6456942073)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Upgrade to Pro | $19.99 | one-time |


### SelfBlock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/selfblock-screen-time-buddy/id6757798472)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $4.49 | per month |
| Pro Yearly | $27.49 | per year |
| Pro Lifetime | $82.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Screen Time Control free?

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

### Is SelfBlock free?

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

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

Neither Screen Time Control nor SelfBlock shows ads.

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

Screen Time Control ships an update monthly, and SelfBlock monthly. Most recently, Screen Time Control was updated on October 14, 2026 and SelfBlock on October 5, 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.*