# FlowBuddy vs Polanthos

The clearest difference is rating: Polanthos at 5.0 against FlowBuddy's 4.5. Polanthos also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs monthly) and monetization model (free vs freemium). FlowBuddy's advantage is ratings volume (13 vs 3) and iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FlowBuddy sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.90 per month and Polanthos sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Polanthos holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 13 and 3 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

FlowBuddy ships an update monthly, Polanthos every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FlowBuddy | Polanthos |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flowbuddy-app-blocker-and-focus/id6479961860/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polanthos-pause-scrolling/id6773573378/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **13** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 110 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Costin Bernhart](https://appshunter.io/developer/1737674532) | [HAIYI NING](https://appshunter.io/developer/6773573380) |

## What reviewers say

### FlowBuddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flowbuddy-app-blocker-and-focus/id6479961860)

This app helps you reduce mindless scrolling and use your phone more intentionally. It blocks distracting applications and introduces a brief pause before you can access them, encouraging healthier digital habits.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps, Unlock with breathing exercise, Set allowed schedules, Track app access habits, Reduce impulsive app opens, Build mindful screen time

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $4.90 | per month |
| Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Family (Yearly) | $49.90 | per year |
| Lifetime | $19.99 | one-time |


### Polanthos

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polanthos-pause-scrolling/id6773573378)

This app helps you pause before opening distracting applications, encouraging intentional social media use and reducing mindless scrolling. It offers a mindful moment to decide if you truly want to proceed, with features like focus schedules and reclaimed time tracking.

**Highlights:** Mindful pause before app launch, Focus schedules, Gentle reminders, Reclaimed time tracking, Simple redirects, Calm design

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Polanthos Pro Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Polanthos Pro Yearly | $17.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FlowBuddy free?

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

### Is Polanthos free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FlowBuddy or Polanthos?

Polanthos is rated higher. FlowBuddy averages 4.5 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while Polanthos averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do FlowBuddy or Polanthos have ads?

Neither FlowBuddy nor Polanthos shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FlowBuddy or Polanthos?

FlowBuddy ships an update monthly, and Polanthos every 2 days. Most recently, FlowBuddy was updated on October 24, 2026 and Polanthos on October 18, 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.*