# White Screen vs PauseBox

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PauseBox at none against White Screen's 1. PauseBox also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.6) and iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18.0). White Screen's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (200 vs 43). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. White Screen sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. PauseBox asks for nothing beyond the download.

PauseBox holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 200 and 43 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 87% of White Screen's written reviews are positive against 82% of PauseBox's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

White Screen ships an update monthly, PauseBox every 3 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | White Screen | PauseBox |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (200 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/white-screen-minimal-launcher/id6737041451/reviews) | **[4.9 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pausebox/id6745524690/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **200** | 43 |
| Positive reviews | **86.7% of reviews** | 82.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 77 MB | 90 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **16.4** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Astrochimp SRL](https://appshunter.io/developer/1611331415) | [Britt Espinosa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1812701009) |

## What reviewers say

### White Screen

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/white-screen-minimal-launcher/id6737041451)

This app transforms your home screen into a clean, focused space by decluttering your phone and reducing distractions. It allows you to add your most-used apps to widgets for quick access, helping you focus on productivity and well-being.

**Highlights:** Minimalist app launcher, Declutter home screen, Reduce distractions, Launch apps from widgets, Customizable widgets, Custom wallpapers

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Whitescreen Lifetime Premium Plan | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💰 Free to use, no subscription
- ✨ Minimalist design
- 👍 Easy to set up
- 📱 Helps reduce phone usage
- 🎨 Good customization options

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤔 Widget name cannot be removed
- ⚠️ White screen appears before opening apps
- 📱 Some apps do not launch
- 🖼️ Limited background options
- ❌ Phone app shortcut broken

**Reported bugs**

- White screen appears before opening apps
- Phone app shortcut is broken
- Some apps in the master list do not launch
- Widget not found in the list of widgets
- Error when trying to open the Phone app (default iOS)

**Requested features**

- Transparent background or custom gallery wallpaper
- Dark mode synced with wallpaper
- Spacer widgets for more app icons
- Ability to remove widget title
- Add Anki flashcard app shortcut


### PauseBox

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pausebox/id6745524690)

This app helps you block digital distractions by creating a physical barrier. Select apps to block, create custom groups with schedules, and then tap your phone on a physical device to initiate a focus session. It encourages intentional separation to break habit loops.

**Highlights:** Select apps to block, Create custom Pause Groups, Schedule focus sessions, Use physical device for blocking, Remote blocking option, Intentional separation from phone

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is White Screen free?

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

### Is PauseBox free?

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

### Which has better reviews, White Screen or PauseBox?

PauseBox is rated higher. White Screen averages 4.6 out of 5 from 200 ratings, while PauseBox averages 4.9 from 43 ratings.

### Do White Screen or PauseBox have ads?

Neither White Screen nor PauseBox shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, White Screen or PauseBox?

White Screen ships an update monthly, and PauseBox every 3 months. Most recently, White Screen was updated on October 24, 2026 and PauseBox on October 24, 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.*