# Screen Time Control vs Barrier

The clearest difference is rating: Screen Time Control at 4.7 against Barrier's 3.0. Screen Time Control also leads on ratings volume (47 vs 2). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Screen Time Control sells 3 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, 4.7 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Screen Time Control has 47 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Screen Time Control ships an update every 3 weeks, Barrier every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Screen Time Control | Barrier |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (47 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-purefocus/id6737169958/reviews)** | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barrier-screen-time-blocker/id6756778740/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **47** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 73 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dmitry Vanyushkin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1460386228) | [Savelii Veprev](https://appshunter.io/developer/1689265930) |

## What reviewers say

### Screen Time Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-purefocus/id6737169958)

Regain control of your time and attention by blocking distracting apps. This tool helps you concentrate on important tasks with flexible blocking options, gamified achievements, and detailed progress tracking. Achieve a more intentional and fulfilling life by reducing unnecessary screen time.

**Highlights:** Flexible app blocking options, Daily session limits, App usage limits, Scheduled blocking, Gamification and achievements, Detailed progress tracking, Customizable interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Plan (1 Month) | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly Plan (1 Year) | $19.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Plan | $34.99 | 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 4.7 out of 5 from 47 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 3 weeks, and Barrier every 2 weeks. Most recently, Screen Time Control was updated on November 4, 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.*