# Para vs BrainFree

The clearest difference is rating: BrainFree at 5.0 against Para's 3.9. Para's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 weeks) and iOS requirement (18.0 vs 26). On price, ratings volume, ads 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 BrainFree sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

BrainFree holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 3 respectively.

Para ships an update fortnightly, BrainFree every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Para | BrainFree |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/para-screen-time-control/id6751147029/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainfree-stop-doom-scrolling/id6759558932/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **7** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 24 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.0** | 26 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pilas Studios LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1833675924) | [The App, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1838432658) |

## What reviewers say

### Para

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

This app uses a social contract to help you break bad app habits. Your friends act as gatekeepers, controlling access to apps you want to block. You must request permission from them to regain access, fostering genuine accountability.

**Highlights:** Friend-gated app blocking, Accountability through friends, Screen time stats and trends, Streaks and time-saved tracking, QR code and SMS friend invites

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


### BrainFree

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainfree-stop-doom-scrolling/id6759558932)

Regain control of your phone usage by blocking distracting apps and websites. Schedule focused work or personal time with customizable templates or build your own. Protect your attention and reclaim your day from endless scrolling.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps and websites, Schedule focus time, Ready-made and custom schedules, App locking, Deep focus mode, Website blocking, App usage time limits

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| BrainFree Pro | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| BrainFree Pro | $7.99 | per month |
| BrainFree Pro | $19.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Para free?

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

### Is BrainFree free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Para or BrainFree?

BrainFree is rated higher. Para averages 3.9 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while BrainFree averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Para or BrainFree have ads?

Both Para and BrainFree show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Para or BrainFree?

Para ships an update fortnightly, and BrainFree every 6 weeks. Most recently, Para was updated on October 28, 2026 and BrainFree 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.*