# Screen Time Control vs Idea Capture

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Screen Time Control | Idea Capture |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (157 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-stay-off/id6736673615/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **157** | — |
| Positive reviews | 80.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 35 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [升 徐](https://appshunter.io/developer/1693016656) | [Edward Sutcliffe](https://appshunter.io/developer/1876969593) |

## What reviewers say

### Screen Time Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-stay-off/id6736673615)

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| StayOff Plus Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| StayOff Plus Annual | $9.99 | per year |
| StayOff Plus Lifetime | $16.99 | one-time |
| StayOff Plus Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Helps improve focus and productivity
- 🔓 Doesn't collect user data
- 💡 Encourages healthier phone habits
- 🎯 Motivates to stay on track with goals

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashing issues
- 🕰️ Could be more customizable

**Reported bugs**

- Crashing when adding new habits

**Requested features**

- More detailed usage analytics
- Ability to set custom app blocklists


### Idea Capture

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idea-capture-threadpad/id6765768053)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ThreadPad Pro | $4.99 | per year |
| ThreadPad Pro | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*