Comparison

FocusTime vs Otium

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

Head to head
About

FocusTime

Read full description

Timers and schedules help, but doomscrolling doesn’t keep to a schedule. FocusTime notices when you keep scrolling without a break, and locks the app until you’ve had a real pause. A quick look is always fine. APP LIMITS: STOP THE DOOMSCROLL Use your apps as usual. FocusTime keeps track of how long you scroll without a break; reach your limit and the app locks for a while. You choose the minutes of continuous use, how long the block lasts and how long a pause has to be to reset the count. Every limit has its own apps, and if you like, you get a heads-up just before the block starts. FOCUS SESSIONS Pick the apps that distract you, turn the dial and start. They stay blocked until your session ends, anywhere from a few minutes up to 12 hours. SCHEDULES Mornings without social media, evenings without games, a quiet bedtime. Set the days and times once, and your apps lock themselves. A BLOCK IS A BLOCK No “just five more minutes” button. Once an app is blocked, it stays blocked until the time is up. That’s the point. YOUR WEEK AT A GLANCE The dashboard shows what’s blocked right now, what’s coming up next and how much time your blocks covered this week. BUILT ON APPLE’S SCREEN TIME FocusTime blocks apps through Apple’s Screen Time. You choose the apps in Apple’s own app picker, and you can turn access off at any time in Settings. FREE AND PREMIUM Free: focus sessions up to 115 minutes, one schedule and up to 5 apps per selection. Premium adds App Limits, unlimited schedules, up to 49 apps, focus sessions up to 12 hours and saved app selections. Try Premium for free, then continue with a monthly or yearly subscription. Your subscription renews automatically unless you cancel at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel it in your App Store account settings. Terms of use: https://markmaakt.online/focustime/terms_and_conditions.html Privacy policy: https://markmaakt.online/focustime/privacy_policy.html

About

Otium

This app helps users reduce screen time and regain focus by setting customizable app restrictions and schedules. It offers multiple modes to suit various needs, from short focus sessions to permanent limitations, all while prioritizing user privacy.

Highlights
  • Customizable app restrictions
  • Scheduled blocking
  • Multiple usage modes
  • Privacy-focused design
  • User-friendly interface
  • Digital detox support
Read full description

Otium is designed for anyone looking to regain control over their digital habits, reduce screen time, and experience true focus and relaxation. Whether you want to break the cycle of endless scrolling, detox from social media, or just spend undistracted time with loved ones, Otium helps you stay grounded and focused. Key Features: • Simple & User-Friendly: Otium’s interface is designed to make controlling your screen time effortless. Set it up in seconds and enjoy a more intentional relationship with your phone. • Privacy-Focused: No accounts, no tracking. Otium respects your privacy, keeping all data on your device without requiring a sign-up or sharing your information. • Customizable Rules: Create recurring schedules to limit app access during specific times, like bedtime, work hours, or family time. You can also manually activate restrictions when needed. • Multiple Modes: Whether it’s a brief focus session, a weekend digital detox, or permanent restrictions on specific apps, Otium adapts to your needs. Why Limit Screen Time? Reducing your screen time can lead to a host of mental and emotional benefits: • Better Focus and Productivity: Studies show that constant interruptions from apps can reduce focus, leading to decreased productivity. Otium helps eliminate distractions so you can stay on task and accomplish more. • Improved Mental Health: Social media overload has been linked to anxiety and depression. Taking regular breaks from apps allows you to reset, calm down, and prioritize real-world connections. • Quality Family Time: Create phone-free zones or moments to enjoy quality time with friends and family without the constant pull of notifications. • Healthy Sleep Patterns: Limiting phone usage, especially before bed, improves sleep quality and helps you wake up feeling refreshed. Perfect for Everyone: • Students: Maintain focus during study sessions and avoid getting lost in social media during critical learning hours. • Professionals: Stay on top of your work by reducing distractions and maintaining productivity throughout the day. • Parents: Set restrictions to foster healthy screen time habits for yourself or your children, encouraging more meaningful interaction. • Mindfulness Seekers: Otium supports mindfulness by helping you disconnect and be present in the moment, reducing stress and increasing overall well-being. Start using Otium today to rediscover the joy of being truly present and to take back control over your digital life. Download now and experience the benefits of focused living! --- Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

FocusTime4 screens
Otium4 screens

Verdict

The call

FocusTime and Otium 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.

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. FocusTime sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Otium sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
FocusTime versus Otium: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFocusTimeOtium
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyMonthlyMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.417.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size72 MB31 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperMark van der LindenPhilipp Schmid

In-app purchases

2 purchases

FocusTime

Subscriptions2
  • Premium (1 Month)3 Days trial$0.991 Month
  • Premium (1 Year)7 Days trial$8.991 Year
3 purchases

Otium

Subscriptions3
  • Otium Pro (Weekly)$0.997 Days
  • Otium Pro (Monthly)$2.991 Month
  • Otium Pro (Annual)14 Days trial$17.991 Year

Questions

Is FocusTime free?
FocusTime is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Otium free?
Otium is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do FocusTime or Otium have ads?
Neither FocusTime nor Otium shows ads.
Which is updated more often, FocusTime or Otium?
FocusTime ships an update monthly, and Otium monthly. Most recently, FocusTime was updated on October 20, 2026 and Otium on October 2, 2026.

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