# Screen Time Control vs Cactus

The clearest difference is rating: Cactus at 5.0 against Screen Time Control's 4.4. Cactus also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months). Screen Time Control's advantage is ratings volume (21 vs 2) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.0). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Cactus holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Screen Time Control has 21 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Screen Time Control ships an update every 3 months, Cactus every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Screen Time Control | Cactus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-focus-time/id6754756877/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cactus-block-distractions/id6760570620/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **21** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 5 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [天瑜 贾](https://appshunter.io/developer/1849810172) | [Kiln (CA)](https://appshunter.io/developer/1760601801) |

## What reviewers say

### Screen Time Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-focus-time/id6754756877)

Manage your device usage with timers and smart app blocking to enhance focus. Build self-control through interactive challenges and reaction training. Includes eye care features for healthier screen time.

**Highlights:** Focus timers, Simulated lock screens, Smart app blocking, Decision challenges, Reaction training, Eye care features

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Cactus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cactus-block-distractions/id6760570620)

This utility app helps you manage your screen time by blocking specific applications and websites according to your set schedule. It offers a straightforward approach to digital well-being with a commitment to privacy and no tracking. The app is completely free to use.

**Highlights:** Scheduled app blocking, Website blocking, Zero tracking, Free to use, Privacy-focused

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Screen Time Control free?

Screen Time Control is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Cactus free?

Cactus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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

Cactus is rated higher. Screen Time Control averages 4.4 out of 5 from 21 ratings, while Cactus averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

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

Screen Time Control shows ads; Cactus does not.

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

Screen Time Control ships an update every 3 months, and Cactus every 2 weeks. Most recently, Screen Time Control was updated on September 10, 2026 and Cactus on September 16, 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.*