# Screen Time Control vs Barrier

The clearest difference is rating: Screen Time Control at 5.0 against Barrier's 3.0. Screen Time Control also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 2 weeks). Barrier's advantage is iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Screen Time Control sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Barrier sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Screen Time Control holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 2 respectively.

Screen Time Control ships an update every 6 days, Barrier every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 30, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Screen Time Control | Barrier |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-headup/id6736939821/reviews)** | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barrier-screen-time-blocker/id6756778740/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Freemium | Freemium |
| Size | 148 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MIRRORHUB MCHJ](https://appshunter.io/developer/1802826489) | [Savelii Veprev](https://appshunter.io/developer/1689265930) |

## What reviewers say

### Screen Time Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-headup/id6736939821)

This app helps you regain control of your digital life by managing screen time, blocking distractions, and boosting productivity. It offers features like app limits, scheduled blocking, and a Pomodoro timer to improve focus and mental well-being.

**Highlights:** Set daily app and website limits, Schedule app blocking, Limit social media scrolling, Pomodoro timer for focus, Track productivity and minimize distractions, Personalized customization options

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $8.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Annual | $19.99 | per year |
| Annual | $39.99 | per year |
| Annual | $39.99 | per year |
| 1 credit | $0.49 | one-time |


### Barrier

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barrier-screen-time-blocker/id6756778740)

This app helps you regain control over your phone usage by creating a physical barrier to accessing distracting applications. Instead of simply closing apps, it requires you to wait a set amount of time with your phone face down before granting temporary access, prompting reflection on your digital habits.

**Highlights:** Select apps to limit, Automatic app locking, Face-down phone wait for unlock, Temporary app access, Customizable wait times (5-60 seconds), Unlimited apps with paid version

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium for week | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium for month | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium Forever | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Screen Time Control free?

Screen Time Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Barrier free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Screen Time Control or Barrier?

Screen Time Control is rated higher. Screen Time Control averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Barrier averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Screen Time Control or Barrier have ads?

Neither Screen Time Control nor Barrier shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Screen Time Control or Barrier?

Screen Time Control ships an update every 6 days, and Barrier every 2 weeks. Most recently, Screen Time Control was updated on October 30, 2026 and Barrier on October 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.*