# Para vs Core Time

The clearest difference is rating: Core Time at 5.0 against Para's 3.9. Core Time also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (100% vs 67%). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Para sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.00 per month and Core Time sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Core Time holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 4 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of Para's written reviews are positive against 100% of Core Time's.

Para ships an update every 2 weeks, Core Time weekly. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Para | Core Time |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/para-screen-time-control/id6751147029/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/core-time-cold-turkey-blocker/id6759100692/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **7** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 24 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pilas Studios LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1833675924) | [coreground](https://appshunter.io/developer/1876875741) |

## What reviewers say

### Para

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/para-screen-time-control/id6751147029)

This app helps you reduce screen time by making a friend the gatekeeper to your blocked applications. Instead of self-control, it relies on accountability partners to grant early access. It offers flexible blocking options and a strict mode to prevent cheating.

**Highlights:** Friend-controlled app unlocking, Customizable blocking schedules, Daily usage limits, Location-based app locking, Strict mode to prevent cheating, Accountability streaks, Mindful mode for gentle pauses

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Para Supporter $1 | $1.00 | per month |
| Pantalla Premium | $3.99 | per month |
| Para Supporter $5 | $5.00 | per month |
| Para Supporter $10 | $10.00 | per month |
| Para Supporter $15 | $15.00 | per month |
| Para Supporter $20 | $20.00 | per month |
| Pantalla Premium (Annual) | $29.99 | per year |


### Core Time

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/core-time-cold-turkey-blocker/id6759100692)

This app provides a strict approach to blocking distracting applications and websites, helping users regain focus and manage screen time. It offers customizable lock durations and schedules, ensuring boundaries are enforced without negotiation.

**Highlights:** Strict app blocking, Customizable lock durations, Automatic scheduling, Cold turkey focus mode, Dopamine detox support, ADHD-friendly focus aid, One-tap recovery

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Core Time Pro (Monthly) | $6.99 | per month |
| Core Time Pro (Annual) | $24.99 | per year |
| Core Time Pro (Annual) | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Para free?

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

### Is Core Time free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Para or Core Time?

Core Time is rated higher. Para averages 3.9 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Core Time averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do Para or Core Time have ads?

Para shows ads; Core Time does not.

### Which is updated more often, Para or Core Time?

Para ships an update every 2 weeks, and Core Time weekly. Most recently, Para was updated on November 5, 2026 and Core Time on November 5, 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.*