# Screen Time Control vs simREF

The clearest difference is ratings volume: Screen Time Control at 77 against simREF's 3. simREF's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 83%) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Screen Time Control sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and simREF sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

simREF holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Screen Time Control has 77 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 83% of Screen Time Control's written reviews are positive against 100% of simREF's.

Screen Time Control ships an update fortnightly, simREF every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Screen Time Control | simREF |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (77 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-hazel/id6753145492/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simref/id6753267206/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **77** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 83.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 128 MB | 148 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Vibe Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/1842693137) | [Chris-Luca Fischer](https://appshunter.io/developer/1843257076) |

## What reviewers say

### Screen Time Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-hazel/id6753145492)

This app helps you stay focused and manage screen time through gamified streaks and rewards. It offers flexible blocking options and engaging analytics without guilt or judgment.

**Highlights:** Daily streaks for momentum, Earn rewards for focus goals, Engaging screen time analytics, Flexible app blocking options, Customizable schedules and time limits, Cute and friendly user interface

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hazel Plus Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Hazel Plus Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Hazel Plus Yearly | $79.99 | per year |
| Hazel Plus Yearly | $79.99 | per year |


### simREF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simref/id6753267206)

This app provides quick-reference checklists and operational data for flight simulation on iPad. It features interactive normal and abnormal checklists, essential flight data, and a CG/Trim calculator for takeoff planning in a distraction-free, dark UI optimized for cockpit environments.

**Highlights:** Interactive Normal & Abnormal Checklists, Operational Data at a glance, CG/Trim calculator, Offline functionality, Dark UI for cockpit environments, iPad landscape optimized

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IndiGo Virtual Integration | $2.99 | one-time |
| simREF Full Access | $8.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Screen Time Control free?

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

### Is simREF free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Screen Time Control or simREF?

simREF is rated higher. Screen Time Control averages 4.8 out of 5 from 77 ratings, while simREF averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Screen Time Control or simREF have ads?

Neither Screen Time Control nor simREF shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Screen Time Control or simREF?

Screen Time Control ships an update fortnightly, and simREF every 2 weeks. Most recently, Screen Time Control was updated on October 9, 2026 and simREF on October 11, 2026.

---

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