# Nereus vs ScreenBuddy

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Nereus at none against ScreenBuddy's 3. Nereus also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6). ScreenBuddy's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (9 vs 1). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ScreenBuddy sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Nereus asks for nothing beyond the download.

Nereus holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScreenBuddy has 9 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Nereus ships an update every 2 months, ScreenBuddy every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 2, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Nereus | ScreenBuddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nereus-deep-work/id6642642941/reviews)** | [4.6 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenbuddy-app-blocker/id6748612438/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **9** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 16 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Joseph Balkan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1738281624) | [John Gaffney](https://appshunter.io/developer/1826566834) |

## What reviewers say

### Nereus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nereus-deep-work/id6642642941)

This app helps you focus by blocking distracting applications on your iPhone during dedicated work sessions. It syncs with a desktop application to automatically lock down your phone, allowing you to choose which apps to block and stay productive.

**Highlights:** Blocks distracting apps, Deep Work mode, Cross-device sync, QR code pairing, Customizable app blocking

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### ScreenBuddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenbuddy-app-blocker/id6748612438)

This app helps reduce screen time by introducing friction before accessing selected apps. It offers personalized daily limits and a pause before unlocking to break unconscious phone usage habits and combat digital addiction.

**Highlights:** Block selected apps 24/7, Pause before unlocking apps, Personalized daily screen time limits, Breaks unconscious phone use habits, Reduces digital addiction, Focus enhancement for work and study

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ScreenBuddy Pro Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| ScreenBuddy Pro Annual | $39.99 | per year |
| ScreenBuddy Pro Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Nereus free?

Nereus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ScreenBuddy free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Nereus or ScreenBuddy?

Nereus is rated higher. Nereus averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while ScreenBuddy averages 4.6 from 9 ratings.

### Do Nereus or ScreenBuddy have ads?

Neither Nereus nor ScreenBuddy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Nereus or ScreenBuddy?

Nereus ships an update every 2 months, and ScreenBuddy every 3 weeks. Most recently, Nereus was updated on October 2, 2026 and ScreenBuddy on October 2, 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.*