# Bloom vs TimeBack

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Bloom at none against TimeBack's 8. Bloom also leads on ratings volume (2.4K vs 36). TimeBack's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 66%) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TimeBack sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Bloom asks for nothing beyond the download.

TimeBack holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Bloom has 2.4K ratings behind it against 36, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of Bloom's written reviews are positive against 100% of TimeBack's.

Bloom ships an update fortnightly, TimeBack weekly. Both last shipped on September 30, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bloom | TimeBack |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (2.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bloom-conquer-screen-time/id6736728158/reviews) | **[5.0 (36 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timeback-block-addictive-apps/id6748564790/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **2.4K** | 36 |
| Positive reviews | 65.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 67 MB | 42 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Find Your Bloom LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1773221809) | [Nicholas Camson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1695630069) |

## What reviewers say

### Bloom

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bloom-conquer-screen-time/id6736728158)

This app helps you conquer screen time by requiring you to tap an NFC keycard to your phone to access distracting apps. Set schedules, manage breaks, and utilize strict mode to stay focused. It's a physical solution for digital detox and improved productivity.

**Highlights:** NFC keycard app blocking, Customizable distraction lists, Focus schedules, Break limits, Strict mode, Emergency exits

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Helps reduce screen time
- 👍 Effective at improving productivity
- 💡 Unique physical card concept
- 🔒 Prevents access to distracting apps
- 👍 Gamified approach is motivating

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy app with crashes and settings issues
- 💡 Could use more flexible session scheduling

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when selecting apps for blocklist
- Settings fail to save consistently

**Requested features**

- More flexible session scheduling options
- Thinner, more discreet physical card


### TimeBack

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timeback-block-addictive-apps/id6748564790)

This app helps you reduce screen time and avoid distractions by blocking addictive applications. It offers customizable blocking schedules, a 'Hard Mode' for complete phone lockdown, and an accountability feature that notifies friends when you override a block.

**Highlights:** App Blocking with custom schedules, Ad-hoc timers, Hard Mode for complete lockdown, Accountability notifications for friends, Block override options, Tracking of schedules and goals

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TimeBack Premium Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| TimeBack Premium Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| TimeBack Premium Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| TimeBack Premium | $0.99 | one-time |
| 100 TimeBack Points | $0.99 | one-time |
| 500 TimeBack Points | $4.99 | one-time |
| 1000 TimeBack Points | $9.99 | one-time |
| 2500 TimeBack Points | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Best Screen Time Control App
- 👍 Great Tool
- 👍 Great way to reduce screen time
- 👍 Smooth
- 👍 Productivity increased working from home


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bloom free?

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

### Is TimeBack free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Bloom or TimeBack?

TimeBack is rated higher. Bloom averages 4.8 out of 5 from 2.4K ratings, while TimeBack averages 5.0 from 36 ratings.

### Do Bloom or TimeBack have ads?

Neither Bloom nor TimeBack shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Bloom or TimeBack?

Bloom ships an update fortnightly, and TimeBack weekly. Most recently, Bloom was updated on September 30, 2026 and TimeBack on September 30, 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.*