# No Scroll vs SandBud

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SandBud at 100% against No Scroll's 55%. SandBud also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.5) and update cadence (weekly vs every 2 weeks). No Scroll's advantage is ratings volume (699 vs 30). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. No Scroll sells 16 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and SandBud sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SandBud holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: No Scroll has 699 ratings behind it against 30, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 55% of No Scroll's written reviews are positive against 100% of SandBud's.

No Scroll ships an update every 2 weeks, SandBud weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | No Scroll | SandBud |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (699 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/no-scroll-limit-screen-time/id6474079216/reviews) | **[4.9 (30 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandbud-focus-app-blocker/id6550890951/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **699** | 30 |
| Positive reviews | 54.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 107 MB | 281 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Self Invest LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1697190242) | [Sean Kuannery Media, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1757730721) |

## What reviewers say

### No Scroll

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/no-scroll-limit-screen-time/id6474079216)

This app helps you reduce screen time and improve focus by setting limits on app usage. It uses behavioral psychology to combat doomscrolling and reclaim your valuable time without requiring you to delete social media apps.

**Highlights:** Set time limits before opening apps, Auto-locks apps when time expires, Schedule app blocking during specific hours, Set daily app usage budgets, Track progress and build healthy habits, Minimalist and distraction-free design, Privacy-focused using Screen Time framework

**In-app purchases (16)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| No Scroll Premium (Weekly) | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| No Scroll Premium (Weekly) | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| No Scroll Premium (Weekly) | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| No Scroll Premium (Monthly) | $5.99 | per month |
| No Scroll Premium (Weekly) | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| No Scroll Premium (Monthly) | $7.99 | per month |
| No Scroll Premium (Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| No Scroll Premium (Monthly) | $14.99 | per month |
| No Scroll Premium (Annual) | $19.99 | per year |
| No Scroll Premium (Annual) | $29.99 | per year |
| No Scroll Premium (Annual) | $39.99 | per year |
| No Scroll Premium (Annual) | $39.99 | per year |
| No Scroll Premium (Annual) | $39.99 | per year |
| No Scroll Premium (Annual) | $49.99 | per year |
| No Scroll Premium (Annual) | $59.99 | per year |
| Early Unlock | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Effectively reduces doomscrolling behavior
- ⏱️ Flexible time limit options (5-30 minutes)
- 🔐 Strong unlock mechanism with code requirement
- 💪 Works better than Apple's native screen time
- 🎯 Intentional app usage encouragement

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💳 Requires subscription for premium features
- 🚫 Paywall blocks access before trial
- 🔄 Can switch between multiple blocked apps to bypass limits
- ⚠️ Lacks accountability tracking and history
- 🐛 App stops working after updates occasionally

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes on premium trial popup with no exit option
- Blocks unused apps when time expires on another app
- Doesn't release apps after freeze time ends
- Phone hangs with no control or banner displayed
- App stops working after iOS updates

**Requested features**

- Unified timer across all blocked apps instead of per-app
- Custom time intervals beyond 5-30 minute presets
- Ability to block specific content (reels, shorts) within apps
- Website blocking capability
- Longer time period options (up to 3 hours)


### SandBud

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandbud-focus-app-blocker/id6550890951)

This app helps you reclaim your screen time and build focus habits by blocking distracting applications. It gamifies the process by allowing you to design a virtual zen garden with elements earned from completed focus sessions. Stay present, reduce scrolling, and cultivate mindfulness with rewarding progress tracking.

**Highlights:** Block apps with focus plans, Design a virtual zen garden, Earn rewards for focus streaks, Track daily focus progress, Enter deep focus with Zen Mode, Take timed breaks, View screen time reports

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TimeBack Premium (Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| TimeBack Premium (Yearly) | $59.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Thoughtfully designed
- 👍 Helps save from bad habits
- 👍 Blend of technology and mindfulness
- 👍 Gamified experience for reducing screen time
- 👍 Nurtures a positive habit


## Frequently asked questions

### Is No Scroll free?

No Scroll is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is SandBud free?

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

### Which has better reviews, No Scroll or SandBud?

SandBud is rated higher. No Scroll averages 4.5 out of 5 from 699 ratings, while SandBud averages 4.9 from 30 ratings.

### Do No Scroll or SandBud have ads?

Neither No Scroll nor SandBud shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, No Scroll or SandBud?

No Scroll ships an update every 2 weeks, and SandBud weekly. Most recently, No Scroll was updated on October 27, 2026 and SandBud on October 21, 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.*