Comparison

TimeBack vs Screen Time Control

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

Head to head
About

TimeBack

This app helps you reduce screen time and avoid distractions by blocking addictive applications. It offers customizable blocking schedules, a 'Hard Mode' for complete phone lockdown, and an accountability feature that notifies friends when you override a block.

Highlights
  • App Blocking with custom schedules
  • Ad-hoc timers
  • Hard Mode for complete lockdown
  • Accountability notifications for friends
  • Block override options
  • Tracking of schedules and goals
Features
Read full description

TimeBack helps you cut screen time and avoid doomscrolling with scheduled or ad-hoc blocking. When you slip, friends are automatically notified to keep you accountable. Features: - App Blocking: Block distracting apps with custom schedules or ad-hoc timers. - Hard Mode: Block all apps at once to completely lock down your phone. - Block Overrides: Override a block for 5–60 minutes or until the end of day. - Accountability: If you override a block, your friends can be notified so excuses don’t go unnoticed. - Tracking: Track your schedules, goals, and overrides. Friends can see your progress and weakness moments, keeping you accountable while inspiring them to join. TimeBack simplifies reducing screen time by combining your focus intentions with social incentives. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Screen Time Control

Features
Read full description

Struggling with screen time? Tired of strict blockers that make you feel guilty for slipping up? Meet Screen Time Control: Forest, the first digital wellbeing app designed to support you, not punish you. We combine the powerful blocking features you need with a gamified, anxiety-free system that makes building healthy habits addictive. WHY YOU WILL LOVE US Supportive Gamification Most apps punish you for breaking a streak. We let you earn Focus Points to buy Streak Freezes. Had a bad day? Use a freeze. Your progress is safe. It is about long-term growth, not perfection. Beautiful, Calm Design Immerse yourself in our Google Stitch inspired interface. No clutter, just a clean, calming aesthetic designed to lower your dopamine levels and help you enter a flow state. Powerful Focus Tools Take control of your digital life with our suite of professional tools. Customize your experience with immersive themes like Classic, Midnight, Forest, and Ocean. Collect Trophies Turn your productivity into a game. Unlock unique trophies for your milestones and build a gallery of your achievements. SCREEN TIME CONTROL PRO Unlock the full potential of your focus with our optional Premium subscription: • Deep Focus Mode: The ultimate commitment. Lock your session so it cannot be cancelled. • Premium Environments: Access all immersive themes (Midnight, Forest, Ocean) to set the perfect mood. • Advanced Statistics: Gain deep insights into your habits. Track your focus hours and understand your peak productivity times. • 3x Focus Points: Earn rewards faster to protect your streak with more Freezes. PRIVACY FIRST Your data stays on your device. We believe your digital habits are personal, so we built this with a Local-First architecture. No creeping, just focusing. Download Screen Time Control: Forest today and turn your screen time battle into a game you can win. Privacy Policy: https://sites.google.com/view/screen-time-control-forest/main-page Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

TimeBack4 screens
Screen Time Control4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Screen Time Control at every 2 days against TimeBack's weekly. On price, ads, 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. TimeBack sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days and Screen Time Control sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TimeBack ships an update weekly, Screen Time Control every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
TimeBack versus Screen Time Control: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTimeBackScreen Time Control
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (36 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings36 — better—
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size42 MB39 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperNicholas CamsonOguzhan Turk

In-app purchases

8 purchases

TimeBack

Subscriptions3
  • TimeBack Premium Weekly3 Days trial$1.997 Days
  • TimeBack Premium Monthly3 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • TimeBack Premium Yearly7 Days trial$39.991 Year
One-time5
  • TimeBack Premium$0.99
  • 100 TimeBack Points$0.99
  • 500 TimeBack Points$4.99
Show 2 more
  • 1000 TimeBack Points$9.99
  • 2500 TimeBack Points$19.99
3 purchases

Screen Time Control

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly Premium Access$2.997 Days
  • Monthly Premium Access$9.991 Month
  • Yearly Premium Access3 Days trial$14.991 Year

Questions

Is TimeBack free?
TimeBack is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Screen Time Control free?
Screen Time Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do TimeBack or Screen Time Control have ads?
Neither TimeBack nor Screen Time Control shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TimeBack or Screen Time Control?
TimeBack ships an update weekly, and Screen Time Control every 2 days. Most recently, TimeBack was updated on October 9, 2026 and Screen Time Control on October 8, 2026.

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