# Tether vs Threestrand

The clearest difference is update cadence: Threestrand at every 3 days against Tether's every 10 days. On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Tether sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $5.49 per month and Threestrand sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Tether against 5.0 for Threestrand. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 10 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Tether ships an update every 10 days, Threestrand every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Tether | Threestrand |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tether-focus-and-accountability/id6754545887/reviews) | [5.0 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/threestrand-screen-time/id6790784303/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **10** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 44 MB | 21 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Undrift LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1848781331) | [Anchor Digital Limited Liability Company](https://appshunter.io/developer/6790784515) |

## What reviewers say

### Tether

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tether-focus-and-accountability/id6754545887)

This app helps you break free from excessive screen time by introducing friction to app usage. It allows you to block apps, websites, and categories with customizable difficulty levels for ending sessions, promoting stronger phone habits.

**Highlights:** App and website blocking, Customizable session difficulty, Focus modes (indefinite, countdown, Pomodoro), Scheduled sessions, Reusable blocklists, Strict Mode to prevent loopholes, Live Activity and Dynamic Island integration

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tether Pro Monthly Member | $5.49 | per month |
| Tether Pro Free Trial | $6.99 | per month |
| Tether Pro Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| Tether Pro Yearly Member | $24.49 | per year |
| Tether Pro Yearly | $34.99 | per year |
| Tether Pro Lifetime Member | $79.99 | one-time |
| Tether Pro Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |


### Threestrand

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/threestrand-screen-time/id6790784303)

This app helps you reduce phone usage by blocking most applications by default, requiring a trusted partner to approve access to specific apps. It offers features for couples, friends, and families to encourage more in-person interaction and less screen time.

**Highlights:** Block apps by default, Partner-approved unlocks, Family time mode, Daily limits and schedules, Web browsing blocking, Accountability partners

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| One person | $4.99 | per month |
| Household | $9.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Tether free?

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

### Is Threestrand free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Tether or Threestrand?

Tether and Threestrand are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 8 and 10 ratings respectively.

### Do Tether or Threestrand have ads?

Neither Tether nor Threestrand shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Tether or Threestrand?

Tether ships an update every 10 days, and Threestrand every 3 days. Most recently, Tether was updated on October 30, 2026 and Threestrand on November 6, 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.*