# TimeBack vs Compose

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Compose at none against TimeBack's 8. TimeBack's advantage is ratings volume (36 vs 1). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TimeBack sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Compose asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for TimeBack against 5.0 for Compose. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: TimeBack has 36 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly weekly. Both last shipped on October 17, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | TimeBack | Compose |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (36 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timeback-block-addictive-apps/id6748564790/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compose-app-blocker-and-journal/id6758591149/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **36** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | Weekly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 42 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nicholas Camson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1695630069) | [Samir Thapa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1489892009) |

## What reviewers say

### TimeBack

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timeback-block-addictive-apps/id6748564790)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TimeBack Premium Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| TimeBack Premium Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| TimeBack Premium Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| TimeBack Premium | $0.99 | one-time |
| 100 TimeBack Points | $0.99 | one-time |
| 500 TimeBack Points | $4.99 | one-time |
| 1000 TimeBack Points | $9.99 | one-time |
| 2500 TimeBack Points | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Best Screen Time Control App
- 👍 Great Tool
- 👍 Great way to reduce screen time
- 👍 Smooth
- 👍 Productivity increased working from home


### Compose

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compose-app-blocker-and-journal/id6758591149)

This app helps you reduce screen time and increase focus by blocking distracting apps until you write in your private journal. It offers a simple interface, AI organization, and secure storage for your thoughts and memories.

**Highlights:** App blocking, Private journaling, AI organization, Smart search, Customizable themes, Scheduled blocking, Journal prompts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TimeBack free?

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

### Is Compose free?

Compose is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, TimeBack or Compose?

TimeBack and Compose are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 36 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do TimeBack or Compose have ads?

Neither TimeBack nor Compose shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, TimeBack or Compose?

TimeBack ships an update weekly, and Compose weekly. Most recently, TimeBack was updated on October 17, 2026 and Compose on October 17, 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.*