Comparison

Friction° vs Svala

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

Head to head
About

Friction°

This app creates intentional barriers to accessing distracting applications and websites. It employs a unique challenge system, requiring users to complete tasks before disabling blocking rules, fostering self-discipline and focus.

Highlights
  • Randomized character challenge to disable blocks
  • Scheduled app blocking by day and time
  • Location-based app blocking
  • Website blocking
  • Prevent app uninstallation during sessions
  • Adjustable challenge difficulty
Read full description

Friction blocks the apps you choose — and makes it genuinely hard to change your mind. Other screen time apps let you tap "ignore" in one second. Friction doesn't. When you try to disable a block, you'll face a randomized challenge string you have to type out perfectly: 20 characters free, up to 80 with Premium. By the time you could finish, the impulse has passed. That's the whole idea. SET YOUR OWN RULES  Create blocking rules that fit your life:  • Schedule — block apps on specific days and times (e.g. no Instagram on weekdays 9–5)  • Multi-Time — multiple blocking windows in a single rule  • Session — start an immediate focus block for a set duration  • Location — automatically block apps when you arrive at or leave a place THE FRICTION GENERATOR  This is what makes Friction different. When you try to disable your own rules, you face a challenge:  • Type a randomly-generated string of characters (adjustable length with Premium)  • Or hold a button for up to 90 seconds  • Maximum Friction mode requires the challenge to even edit or delete a rule  The harder you make it, the less often you'll bother. WEBSITE BLOCKING  Block specific domains or all adult content. Website blocks follow the same friction rules as app blocks. PREVENT DELETION  Turn on Prevent Deletion to stop yourself from uninstalling Friction during an active session. DESIGNED FOR SELF-CONTROL  Friction is not a parental control app. It's a tool for adults who want to set their own boundaries and actually keep them. You make the rules. Friction enforces them. Friction Premium unlocks location-based rules, multi-time blocking, unlimited schedule rules, and more. Available as a monthly and yearly subscription. • Frictionº Monthly: $4.99 • Frictionº Yearly: $19.99 Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. Terms of Use: https://getfriction.app/terms Privacy Policy: https://getfriction.app/privacy

About

Svala

Read full description

Take back control of your screen time—without giving up the apps you enjoy. Svala is a calm, flexible app blocker that helps you use distracting apps and websites more intentionally. Choose what you want to limit, set a daily allowance for each day of the week, and let Svala step in when your time is up. When you reach a limit, Svala shows a clear shield that interrupts automatic scrolling. You can close the app and move on, or make a deliberate choice to unlock a little more time with a quick challenge. WHY SVALA? • Set daily limits for selected apps and websites • Choose different allowances for different days • Block distractions automatically when a limit is reached • Unlock optional extra time with quick challenges • Use an emergency unlock when you really need access • Keep your limits and Screen Time selections on your device BUILT FOR BETTER SCREEN HABITS Svala adds a small, intentional pause between impulse and action. That moment of friction can help you scroll less, avoid automatic app opens, and build healthier habits—without complicated routines or rigid focus sessions. PRIVATE BY DESIGN Svala does not collect, track, or sell your personal data. Your limits and Screen Time selections stay on your device. There are no ads, subscriptions or accounts. HOW IT WORKS Svala uses Apple’s Screen Time technologies to monitor the apps and websites you select and display a shield when a daily limit is reached. Screen Time authorization is required for these features. Your time. Your limits. Your choice.

Screenshots

Friction°4 screens
Svala4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Svala at none against Friction°'s 4. Svala also leads on update cadence (weekly vs monthly). Friction°'s advantage is iOS requirement (18.2 vs 26.0). On price, ads 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. Friction° sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Svala asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Friction° ships an update monthly, Svala weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Friction° versus Svala: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFriction°Svala
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS18.2 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size26 MB9 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMatthew HarderSebastian Kalita

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Friction°

Subscriptions4
  • Frictionº Monthly3 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Frictionº Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Frictionº Yearly3 Days trial$19.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Frictionº Yearly$19.991 Year
None

Svala

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Friction° free?
Friction° is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Svala free?
Svala is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Friction° or Svala have ads?
Neither Friction° nor Svala shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Friction° or Svala?
Friction° ships an update monthly, and Svala weekly. Most recently, Friction° was updated on October 15, 2026 and Svala on October 25, 2026.

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