# Screen Time Buddy vs Phated

The clearest difference is ads: Phated at none against Screen Time Buddy's shown. Phated also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.6). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Screen Time Buddy sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month and Phated sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Screen Time Buddy ships an update monthly, Phated every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and May 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Screen Time Buddy | Phated |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-buddy-focus/id6535687314/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **9** | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 106 MB | 162 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Power Insights Company](https://appshunter.io/developer/1756924647) | [Maria Koryakina](https://appshunter.io/developer/1682137647) |

## What reviewers say

### Screen Time Buddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-buddy-focus/id6535687314)

This app transforms reducing screen time into a fun, game-like experience. It uses app limits, friend accountability, and character progression to help users regain control of their phone usage and improve focus.

**Highlights:** Gamified screen time reduction, App limits and blocking, Friend accountability system, Character progression and evolution, Weekly leaderboards, Focus and productivity improvement

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Powermate Pro monthly | $24.99 | per month |
| Screen Time Buddy Pro Yearly | $59.99 | per year |


### Phated

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phated-study-and-focus/id6596773979)

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Personalized Emotion AI | $7.99 | per month |
| Reveal Age, Gender & Intention | $7.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Screen Time Buddy free?

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

### Is Phated free?

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

### Do Screen Time Buddy or Phated have ads?

Screen Time Buddy shows ads; Phated does not.

### Which is updated more often, Screen Time Buddy or Phated?

Screen Time Buddy ships an update monthly, and Phated every 2 weeks. Most recently, Screen Time Buddy was updated on September 21, 2026 and Phated on May 17, 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.*