Comparison

Screen Time Control vs Idea Capture

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Screen Time Control

This app helps you regain control of your screen time by setting flexible limits on distracting applications. It rewards positive habits like exercise and learning with additional screen time, promoting a healthier relationship with technology.

Highlights
  • Flexible app limits
  • Adjustable restriction difficulty
  • Scheduled app blocking (OFF Time)
  • Earn screen time via activity tracking
  • Earn screen time via learning apps
  • Focus Timer for study/work sessions
Read full description

Do you often find yourself endlessly scrolling, watching time slip away on social media? You’re not alone. StayOff helps you break free from digital fatigue and regain control of your screen time without guilt. We’re not about restricting you—we’re about empowering you. While traditional apps enforce locks, we offer a smarter and more flexible way to manage your screen time. 【Time Management Reimagined】 We’re reshaping the way you manage your time, offering a smarter approach to control your screen time. Enjoy a flexible method that fits your life and makes your time meaningful. - Flexible App Limits: Set daily usage limits for distracting apps to better control your time, so you can focus on what truly matters. - Adjustable Difficulty: Tailor the level of restriction to match your habits and needs for a more conscious management of your digital life. - OFF Time: Block or allow apps during specific time periods to focus on work, family, or offline activities. 【Earn Your Screen Time】 Turn positive habits into digital freedom: - Activity Tracking: Automatically sync with Apple Health to convert steps and exercise time into entertainment minutes. - Learning Boost: Use positive apps like Duolingo and Khan Academy to unlock additional screen time. - Focus Timer: Log study or work sessions and earn bonus time as a reward. This is more than just an app—it’s your personal coach for a balanced digital life. StayOff helps you build a healthier, more intentional relationship with technology. No more guilt. No more endless scrolling. Just a healthier, more intentional relationship with technology. StayOff Plus Options Available: - One-time purchase - Monthly subscription - Annual subscription Subscriptions will be charged through your iTunes account. For monthly or annual subscriptions, your account will be automatically renewed 24 hours before the end of the current period unless auto-renewal is turned off. After purchase, you can manage or disable auto-renewal at any time in your App Store account settings. Learn more about our terms and privacy policy: - [Terms of Use](https://stayoff.super.site/terms-of-use) - [Privacy Policy](https://stayoff.super.site/privacy-policy)

About

Idea Capture

Features
Read full description

Capture ideas instantly. ThreadPad is the fastest way to brain dump your thoughts and turn them into clean, structured notes. No clutter. No friction. Just start typing. Have an idea, A random thought, Something you do not want to forget? ThreadPad lets you capture it instantly like sending a message to yourself. Most notes apps slow you down. ThreadPad is built for speed Write like a chat No setup or formatting needed Everything stays clean and organised automatically It feels natural because it is. Key features: Chat style writing to capture ideas quickly Fast notes with no delay Brain dump your thoughts without overthinking Automatic structure keeps everything organised Private and simple with no accounts required Works offline so your notes are always available Perfect for: Capturing ideas on the go Quick thoughts and reminders Daily journaling Brainstorming Keeping your mind clear ThreadPad is designed for one thing, Capturing thoughts as fast as they come Start writing and capture your next idea in seconds No accounts. No tracking. No unnecessary features. Export your thoughts in your style to share with friends. If you’ve ever opened a notes app and felt overwhelmed — ThreadPad is for you. Terms of use can be found here: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Screen Time Control4 screens
Idea Capture4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Idea Capture at 15.1 against Screen Time Control's 17.0. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Screen Time Control sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Idea Capture sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Screen Time Control ships an update every 5 days, Idea Capture every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Screen Time Control versus Idea Capture: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterScreen Time ControlIdea Capture
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (157 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews80.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings157 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 daysEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.015.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size35 MB35 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer升 徐Edward Sutcliffe

Bugs and requests

Screen Time Control

Reported bugs

1 issue
  • Crashing when adding new habits

Requested features

2 requests
  • More detailed usage analytics
  • Ability to set custom app blocklists

Idea Capture

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Screen Time Control

Subscriptions2
  • StayOff Plus Monthly3 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • StayOff Plus Annual3 variants$9.991 Year
One-time2
  • StayOff Plus Lifetime$16.99
  • StayOff Plus Lifetime3 variants$49.99
2 purchases

Idea Capture

Subscriptions1
  • ThreadPad Pro3 Days trial$4.991 Year
One-time1
  • ThreadPad Pro$29.99

Questions

Is Screen Time Control free?
Screen Time Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Idea Capture free?
Idea Capture is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Screen Time Control or Idea Capture have ads?
Neither Screen Time Control nor Idea Capture shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Screen Time Control or Idea Capture?
Screen Time Control ships an update every 5 days, and Idea Capture every 4 days. Most recently, Screen Time Control was updated on October 24, 2026 and Idea Capture on October 11, 2026.

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