# 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 11 days, Core Time weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## 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 11 days | **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 letting a friend control access to your most distracting apps. You can set schedules, daily limits, or location-based blocks, and your friend must approve any early unlocks, making it harder to cheat your own limits.

**Highlights:** Friend-controlled app blocking, Customizable schedules and limits, Location-based app locking, Strict mode to prevent cheating, Accountability streaks with friends, 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 11 days, and Core Time weekly. Most recently, Para was updated on November 8, 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.*