# ScreenBuddy vs TimeBack

ScreenBuddy and TimeBack 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.

Both are free to download. ScreenBuddy sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and TimeBack sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $19.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenBuddy | TimeBack |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenbuddy-app-blocker/id6748612438/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **9** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | — |
| Size | 25 MB | 23 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [John Gaffney](https://appshunter.io/developer/1826566834) | [Sergey Mast](https://appshunter.io/developer/1707784582) |

## 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 |


### TimeBack

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timeback-reduce-doomscrolling/id6768290842)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TimeBack Premium Yearly | $19.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenBuddy free?

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

### Is TimeBack free?

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

### Do ScreenBuddy or TimeBack have ads?

Neither ScreenBuddy nor TimeBack shows ads.

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

ScreenBuddy ships an update every 3 weeks, and TimeBack every 3 weeks. Most recently, ScreenBuddy was updated on September 14, 2026 and TimeBack on September 9, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*