Timesaver vs Recode
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Timesaver
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Timesaver helps you take control of your screen time by letting you lock distracting apps with a physical QR key. Create up to four custom slots, each with its own QR code and personalized name. Select which apps to block for each slot, and enable or disable blocking by scanning your unique QR code. Easily manage your slots, rename them, and view which apps are currently restricted. Timesaver is designed to boost your productivity and make your device usage more intentional.
Recode
This app helps you regain focus by physically preventing access to distracting applications. It requires scanning a QR or barcode to unlock apps, creating friction that discourages reflex checking and promotes productivity.
- Physical app blocking via QR/barcode scan
- Accountability through intentional unlocking
- Reduces reflex app checking
- Promotes focus and productivity
- Customizable app blocking schedules
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Stop scrolling. Start living. Recode is the only screen time app that requires you to physically scan a QR code or barcode to unlock your blocked apps. No easy bypass. No cheating. Just real accountability. How it works: 1. Choose which apps to block and set your schedule. 2. Pick any QR code or barcode as your unlock key — a book on your shelf, a code at your desk, anything. 3. When you want to unblock, you have to physically go scan it. That friction is what makes Recode work. Why it's different: Other screen time apps let you bypass limits with a single tap. Recode doesn't. The physical requirement of scanning a code creates real resistance between you and your distracting apps. You can't cheat from the couch. Track your progress with Streaks: Build a daily streak by keeping your break time under 30 minutes. Watch your calendar fill with green as you take back control of your habits. Built from personal experience: I built Recode because I was losing myself in endless scrolling — distracted all day, drained at night, ashamed of how little I got done. Even in its demo version, the simple act of requiring a scan to unblock completely shifted my habits. Knowing I couldn't unblock until I got home kept me off my phone. Over time, I reclaimed focus, confidence, and the satisfaction of being productive. Take control of your time. Download Recode today. Available subscription options: Recode Pro – Monthly or Annual auto-renewable subscription. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Timesaver at none against Recode's 2. On price, update cadence, ads 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
Both are free to download. Recode sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Timesaver asks for nothing beyond the download.
Timesaver ships an update every 5 days, Recode weekly. Both last shipped on September 18, 2026.
| Parameter | Timesaver | Recode |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 4.2 (5 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 66.7% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 5 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days — better | Weekly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 17.6 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Pablo Reis Saraiva | Alexander Hartigan |
In-app purchases
Timesaver
No in-app purchases
Recode
- Pro Monthly7 Days trial$2.991 Month
- Pro Yearly7 Days trial$19.991 Year
