# Ascent vs Alfred Max

The clearest difference is update cadence: Alfred Max at every 3 days against Ascent's every 3 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Ascent sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Alfred Max sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Ascent ships an update every 3 weeks, Alfred Max every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ascent | Alfred Max |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (45 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ascent-screen-time-control/id6670786673/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **45** | — |
| Positive reviews | 83.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 109 MB | 109 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ascent Apps TOO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1800568136) | [Yael Brosh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1863079194) |

## What reviewers say

### Ascent

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ascent-screen-time-control/id6670786673)

This app helps build healthy phone habits by pausing distracting apps and preventing mindless scrolling. It offers features like focus sessions, app limits, and reminders to promote mindful usage and productivity.

**Highlights:** Pause Exercise before opening apps, Focus Sessions to minimize distractions, Reminders to step away from time-consuming apps, Set daily app usage limits, State intentions before using apps, Organize essential apps with Shortcuts, Save bookmarks as mindful alternatives

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Month Premium | $2.99 | per month |
| 1 Year Premium | $9.99 | per year |
| Free Lifetime Premium | Free | one-time |
| Lifetime Premium | $17.99 | one-time |


### Alfred Max

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alfred-max/id6756816321)

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Max Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Max Annual | $74.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ascent free?

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

### Is Alfred Max free?

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

### Do Ascent or Alfred Max have ads?

Neither Ascent nor Alfred Max shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Ascent or Alfred Max?

Ascent ships an update every 3 weeks, and Alfred Max every 3 days. Most recently, Ascent was updated on October 12, 2026 and Alfred Max on October 13, 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.*