Comparison

minimalist phone ® Block Apps vs CallFirst

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

minimalist phone ® Block Apps

This app transforms your smartphone into a distraction-free tool, replacing cluttered home screens with a simple, text-based interface. Organize apps by category to reduce sensory overload and encourage intentional use, boosting productivity and mental wellbeing.

Highlights
  • Icon-free interface
  • Text-based layout
  • App organization by category
  • Reduced sensory overload
  • Boosts productivity and focus
  • Digital detox companion
Read full description

Screen time is taking over your day. Here’s how minimalist phone helps you take it back minimalist phone is a screen time control app built to help you stop doomscrolling, block distractions, and boost productivity. Create a calmer, more focused phone experience with tools that help you: - Block time-wasting apps - Reduce screen time - Get gentle in-app reminders - Manage your time before mindless scrolling takes over your day ▶ FEATURES - TEXT-BASED INTERFACE Replace your icon-filled home screen with a clean, text-based layout—no visual clutter, no dopamine triggers. Organize apps using widgets. - APP BLOCKER Block apps that don’t just steal from your time but also your focus and goals. - WEBSITE BLOCKER Block websites alongside distracting apps to create a more productive routine. - IN-APP REMINDERS Set a time limit each time you open an app and get pushed out when your time is up. Turn it on for games, social media, or any app …this automatically filters notifications that trigger addictive habits. - MINDFUL LAUNCH DELAY a 15 second pause—just enough to help you breathe and decide mindfully whether you want to open an app. - BLOCKING SCHEDULES Coming soon. ▶ TRUSTED BY MILLIONS - Join 10M+ satisfied users - 83% of users reported less screen time - Save 2+ hours daily Whether you want to boost focus for work and studying, or unplug to create mental space when it matters, minimalist phone helps you track and reduce the time you spend on your phone. ▶ IMPACT OF HIGH SCREEN TIME Research links excessive screen time, social media, and gaming with: - Poorer sleep - Lower focus - Increased anxiety or distress The real issue isn’t just phone use — it’s when your phone starts controlling your time, attention, and rest. We’re not here to disconnect you from your phone. We’re here to help make it a tool that works in your favor again. ▶ WHY MINIMALIST PHONE Most screen time apps focus on timers or usage limits. minimalist phone goes deeper — tackling the psychological hooks of modern tech through a calmer, more intentional phone experience. We believe in change that is holistic, long-term, and sustainable. And honestly, deleting Instagram for one month does not cut it. ▶ IMPROVE YOUR DAILY LIFE WITH MINIMALIST PHONE - Sleep better - Improve focus - Control screen time - Organize your time routine - Track digital habits - Schedule screen-free hours WHAT OUR USERS ARE SAYING “minimalist phone drastically reduced my distractions and helped me focus on what matters.” “I've been using minimalist phone for a year now. It promises 10 hours less screen time per week... it's more like 20!” “I'm never, ever, ever going back. I’ve used minimalist phone for 4 years now, and I cannot imagine ever owning a phone without it. It has been an absolute blessing for focus and productivity.” ▶ MOST POPULAR USE CASES - Social media apps - Gaming apps - Video streaming - Adult content - Deep focus hours - Minimalism - Digital wellbeing - Time management - Task management ▶ PLANS Download minimalist phone for free on iPhone and start with a 7-day free trial. After that, choose the plan that works best for you: - Monthly - Annual - One-time purchase Find more information about in-app purchases inside the app. ▶ CONTACT AND SUPPORT Contact us at hello@care.minimalistphone.com if you have any questions or need assistance. We would love to hear from you. ▶ PRIVACY POLICY By downloading or installing minimalist phone, you agree to: Terms of Service: https://www.minimalistphone.com/terms-conditions Privacy Policy: https://www.minimalistphone.com/privacy-policy minimalist phone® is a registered trademark of QQ42 Labs UG (haftungsbeschränkt). UK: No. UK00003964355 EU: No. 018867390 US: No. 7787403

About

CallFirst

Read full description

CallFirst turns the urge to scroll into a reason to call someone you love. Pick the people who matter and the hours you want to protect. When you open Instagram, TikTok, X, or any app you've chosen during those hours, CallFirst gently steps in and reminds you to Call First. One real, at least 60-second phone call to your person and your apps open again for the rest of the window. No streaks to chase. No timers to wait out. No breathing exercises. Just a moment of real connection before the feed. HOW IT WORKS 1. Pick a time to connect with a phone call. 2. Open a social media app, and we'll remind you to call first. 3. Talk for at least 60 seconds and then your apps are open again for you to enjoy. WHAT MAKES CALLFIRST DIFFERENT Other screen-time apps unlock with friction — a wait timer, a breathing exercise, a set of squats, a photo, a hardware token. CallFirst is the only one where the key is a person. The block lifts when you've actually spoken to someone. PRIVATE BY DESIGN We don't store your contacts' details on our servers. The phone numbers you choose live only on your phone. We don't record calls, read your call log, or access your contact list. You pick who you call and those are the only contact details the app ever sees. MADE FOR REAL LIFE - Choose any contact and reach them by phone or WhatsApp. - Block the apps you pick, on the days and during the hours you pick. - Runs quietly in the background using Apple's Screen Time framework. - Start in seconds — no account needed. Pick up the phone. Call first. CallFirst is free with one contact, one schedule, and one blocked app. Upgrade to CallFirst Pro for unlimited contacts, schedules, and apps; weekly, yearly, or one payment for life. Terms: https://callfirst.app/terms.html Privacy: https://callfirst.app/privacy.html

Screenshots

minimalist phone ® Block Apps4 screens
CallFirst4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: CallFirst at none against minimalist phone ® Block Apps's shown. On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. minimalist phone ® Block Apps sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and CallFirst sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

minimalist phone ® Block Apps ships an update fortnightly, CallFirst daily. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
minimalist phone ® Block Apps versus CallFirst: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameterminimalist phone ® Block AppsCallFirst
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (648 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews68.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings648 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightlyDaily — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size64 MB42 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHachi Media OÜAI PM Services LTD

In-app purchases

8 purchases

minimalist phone ® Block Apps

Subscriptions4
  • Monthly Plan7 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Monthly Plan7 Days trial2 variants$4.991 Month
  • Annual Plan7 Days trial$9.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Annual Plan7 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time4
  • Lifetime access$29.99
  • Lifetime access$49.99
  • Lifetime access2 variants$59.99
Show 1 more
  • Lifetime access$69.99
3 purchases

CallFirst

Subscriptions2
  • Weekly$1.997 Days
  • Yearly$24.991 Year
One-time1
  • One-time purchase$79.99

Questions

Is minimalist phone ® Block Apps free?
minimalist phone ® Block Apps is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is CallFirst free?
CallFirst is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do minimalist phone ® Block Apps or CallFirst have ads?
minimalist phone ® Block Apps shows ads; CallFirst does not.
Which is updated more often, minimalist phone ® Block Apps or CallFirst?
minimalist phone ® Block Apps ships an update fortnightly, and CallFirst daily. Most recently, minimalist phone ® Block Apps was updated on October 16, 2026 and CallFirst on October 7, 2026.

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