# ScreenBuddy vs Catalyst

The clearest difference is rating: Catalyst at 5.0 against ScreenBuddy's 4.6. Catalyst also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.6). ScreenBuddy's advantage is ratings volume (10 vs 2). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ScreenBuddy sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Catalyst sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Catalyst holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScreenBuddy has 10 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

ScreenBuddy ships an update every 3 weeks, Catalyst fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenBuddy | Catalyst |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenbuddy-app-blocker/id6748612438/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/catalyst-commit-and-achieve/id6762204965/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **10** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Subscription | Subscription |
| Size | 42 MB | 97 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [John Gaffney](https://appshunter.io/developer/1826566834) | [BlackShift LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1893358026) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenBuddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenbuddy-app-blocker/id6748612438)

This app helps reduce screen time by introducing friction before accessing selected apps. It offers personalized daily limits and a pause before unlocking to break unconscious phone usage habits and combat digital addiction.

**Highlights:** Block selected apps 24/7, Pause before unlocking apps, Personalized daily screen time limits, Breaks unconscious phone use habits, Reduces digital addiction, Focus enhancement for work and study

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ScreenBuddy Pro Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| ScreenBuddy Pro Annual | $39.99 | per year |
| ScreenBuddy Pro Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |


### Catalyst

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/catalyst-commit-and-achieve/id6762204965)

This app uses financial consequences to help users achieve their goals. Users commit money to a 30-day cycle, earning it back with a bonus for completion or losing it if they fail. Mastermind groups provide social accountability.

**Highlights:** Financial commitment for goals, Daily reflection tracking, 30-day goal cycles, Mastermind accountability groups, Consequence-based motivation, Goal progress feed

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Catalyst Weekly | $14.99 | per 7 days |
| Catalyst | $49.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenBuddy free?

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

### Is Catalyst free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ScreenBuddy or Catalyst?

Catalyst is rated higher. ScreenBuddy averages 4.6 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while Catalyst averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do ScreenBuddy or Catalyst have ads?

Neither ScreenBuddy nor Catalyst shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ScreenBuddy or Catalyst?

ScreenBuddy ships an update every 3 weeks, and Catalyst fortnightly. Most recently, ScreenBuddy was updated on November 5, 2026 and Catalyst on October 31, 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.*