Comparison

TimeBack vs Grow a Tree

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

Grow a Tree

Features
Read full description

Addicted to your phone? Can't focus on your work or studies? Grow a Tree is the ultimate, gamified solution to take back control of your time. The concept is simple: start a timer, put your phone down, and a virtual tree begins to grow. BUT beware... If you leave the app to scroll on social media, your tree will burn to ashes! CORE FEATURES: - Epic Collection: Unlock up to 100 unique trees categorized by rarity (Common, Rare, Epic, and Legendary). - Smart App Blocker: Select your most distracting apps (Instagram, TikTok, etc.) and block them during your focus sessions. - Flexible Modes: Choose between a classic Timer, Pomodoro sessions, or set daily limits and passive schedules. - STRICT Mode (Pro): For the ultimate procrastinators. Once activated, the "Give Up" button disappears. No cheating allowed, you must finish your session. - Rebirth System: Planted all 100 trees? Reset your forest to climb the global leaderboards and earn prestige! Put down your screen, beat your phone addiction, and build the most beautiful forest! Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

TimeBack4 screens
Grow a Tree4 screens

Verdict

The call

TimeBack and Grow a Tree are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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 Grow a Tree sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TimeBack ships an update weekly, Grow a Tree every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
TimeBack versus Grow a Tree: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTimeBackGrow a Tree
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (36 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings36 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 9 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size42 MB16 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperNicholas CamsonTimothee VELLUET

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
2 purchases

Grow a Tree

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Plan Monthly3 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Pro Plan Yearly3 Days trial$44.991 Year

Questions

Is TimeBack free?
TimeBack is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Grow a Tree free?
Grow a Tree is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do TimeBack or Grow a Tree have ads?
Neither TimeBack nor Grow a Tree shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TimeBack or Grow a Tree?
TimeBack ships an update weekly, and Grow a Tree every 9 days. Most recently, TimeBack was updated on October 17, 2026 and Grow a Tree on October 11, 2026.

Other comparisons