Focus Timer & Planner vs ScreenBuddy
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Focus Timer & Planner
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Actify — Turn your phone into a low‑stimulus focus zone Battling endless scrolling or startup paralysis? Actify transforms your screen into a calm, looping worksite where a tiny miner toils as long as you do. One tap starts a lock‑screen focus session that blocks distractions, delivers gentle nudges, and rewards every minute you stay on task. How it works 1. One‑Tap Start – Pick a 20/25/30‑minute slot and hit Start. 2. Screen Lock + Subtle Animation – A soothing, slow‑progress scene holds just enough motion to keep ADHD brains engaged without hijacking attention. 3. Smart Nudges – If you try to quit early, the miner pops up with a quick pep talk (“Just 5 more minutes to level up your pickaxe!”). 4. Earn & Upgrade – Rack up coins for every finished session, level up your character, unlock new tools, and watch your stats climb in the StatsView. Why it helps • Low‑stimulus environment blocks high‑dopamine apps yet avoids boredom. • Micro‑task guidance bridges the hardest step for ADHD users—getting started. • Visible progress + virtual rewards boost dopamine, turning focus into a game. • Structured breaks prevent burnout and keep momentum rolling. Extra power‑ups • Insightful charts track daily focus streaks and peak productivity hours. • Smart Planner schedules multi‑step nudges before each task so you glide from plan to action. Download Actify Focus today, tap once, and tunnel straight into flow—no willpower required.
ScreenBuddy
This app helps reduce screen time by introducing friction before accessing selected apps. It offers personalized daily limits and a pause before unlocking to break unconscious phone usage habits and combat digital addiction.
- Block selected apps 24/7
- Pause before unlocking apps
- Personalized daily screen time limits
- Breaks unconscious phone use habits
- Reduces digital addiction
- Focus enhancement for work and study
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ScreenBuddy uses friction to cut your screen time in half. Pick the apps that distract you most, and ScreenBuddy makes you wait 25 seconds before you can open them. Set a daily usage limit, and when it's gone, it's gone. HOW IT WORKS: - Select apps you want to limit. They are blocked 24/7 - Pause before you scroll. Wait before each unlock to break unconscious phone use - Personalized limits. Set a daily screen time limit you can commit to. Use it all at once or spread it out. Once it's gone, it's gone. WHY IT WORKS: Most app blockers are easy to bypass. You hit a limit, tap "ignore," and keep scrolling. ScreenBuddy works differently. Your apps are locked from the start, and the 25-second pause gives you time to reconsider before you open them. Over time, the phone habit fades because you keep interrupting it. ScreenBuddy helps you stop phone addiction without a full digital detox or dopamine detox. Just enough friction to stop doomscrolling and start living phone free. PERFECT FOR: - People who pick up their phone and don't remember why - Anyone trying to cut back on social media and brain rot content - Professionals who need distraction-free focus during work hours - Students struggling to stay on task - Parents who want to model better phone habits SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS: ScreenBuddy requires a premium subscription for full functionality. Choose monthly ($3.99), annual ($39.99 - 2 months free), or lifetime ($99.99) billing through your Apple ID. Your subscription automatically renews unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the current period ends. Manage your subscription anytime in your Apple ID account settings. PRIVACY: https://www.screenbuddyapp.com/privacy-policy TERMS: https://www.screenbuddyapp.com/terms-of-service
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Focus Timer & Planner at none against ScreenBuddy's 3. Focus Timer & Planner also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 weeks). ScreenBuddy's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement 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
Both are free to download. ScreenBuddy sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Focus Timer & Planner asks for nothing beyond the download.
Focus Timer & Planner ships an update every 3 days, ScreenBuddy every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Focus Timer & Planner | ScreenBuddy |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 4.6 (9 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 9 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 days — better | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Subscription |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 18.2 | 17.6 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 65 MB | 25 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | WING YI NG | John Gaffney |
In-app purchases
Focus Timer & Planner
No in-app purchases
ScreenBuddy
- ScreenBuddy Pro Monthly3 Days trial$3.991 Month
- ScreenBuddy Pro Annual3 Days trial$39.991 Year
- ScreenBuddy Pro Lifetime$99.99
Questions
Is Focus Timer & Planner free?
Is ScreenBuddy free?
Do Focus Timer & Planner or ScreenBuddy have ads?
Which is updated more often, Focus Timer & Planner or ScreenBuddy?
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