# BetterScreens vs ctrl

The clearest difference is ads: BetterScreens at none against ctrl's shown. ctrl's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 6 months). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BetterScreens sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $49.99 per year and ctrl sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

BetterScreens ships an update every 6 months, ctrl every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 28, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | BetterScreens | ctrl |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Size | 25 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [BlinkLabs](https://appshunter.io/developer/1814480765) | [Giuseppe Renna](https://appshunter.io/developer/1860337640) |

## What reviewers say

### BetterScreens

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/betterscreens-screen-time/id6748545923)

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Individual Annual Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Family Annual Plan | $79.99 | per year |


### ctrl

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ctrl-time/id6756376092)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ctrl-time Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| ctrl-time Premium Yearly | $24.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BetterScreens free?

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

### Is ctrl free?

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

### Do BetterScreens or ctrl have ads?

ctrl shows ads; BetterScreens does not.

### Which is updated more often, BetterScreens or ctrl?

BetterScreens ships an update every 6 months, and ctrl every 5 days. Most recently, BetterScreens was updated on October 28, 2026 and ctrl on October 28, 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.*