# Ascent vs OffShelf

The clearest difference is rating: OffShelf at 5.0 against Ascent's 4.6. OffShelf also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and review sentiment (100% vs 84%). Ascent's advantage is ratings volume (45 vs 1). 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 OffShelf sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

OffShelf holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Ascent has 45 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 84% of Ascent's written reviews are positive against 100% of OffShelf's.

Ascent ships an update every 3 weeks, OffShelf weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ascent | OffShelf |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (45 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ascent-screen-time-control/id6670786673/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/offshelf-study-timer-planner/id6767906574/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **45** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 83.8% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 109 MB | 141 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ascent Apps TOO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1800568136) | [Basheer Rjoub](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896519282) |

## 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 |


### OffShelf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/offshelf-study-timer-planner/id6767906574)

This app helps you stay focused and motivated while studying. It offers customizable focus sessions, flashcards, and AI-powered study suggestions. You can also study with friends for added accountability and track your progress with detailed dashboards.

**Highlights:** Customizable focus sessions, Flashcard creation and review, AI study suggestions, Collaborative study with friends, Progress tracking dashboard, Offline functionality

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| OffShelf Premium — Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| OffShelf Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| OffShelf Premium — Annual | $79.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ascent free?

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

### Is OffShelf free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Ascent or OffShelf?

OffShelf is rated higher. Ascent averages 4.6 out of 5 from 45 ratings, while OffShelf averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Ascent or OffShelf have ads?

Neither Ascent nor OffShelf shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Ascent or OffShelf?

Ascent ships an update every 3 weeks, and OffShelf weekly. Most recently, Ascent was updated on September 28, 2026 and OffShelf on September 15, 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.*