# Barrier vs Screen Time Control

The clearest difference is rating: Screen Time Control at 5.0 against Barrier's 3.0. On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Barrier sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and Screen Time Control sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Screen Time Control holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 4 respectively.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barrier | Screen Time Control |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barrier-screen-time-blocker/id6756778740/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-block-app/id6757622975/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **4** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Freemium | Freemium |
| Size | 16 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Savelii Veprev](https://appshunter.io/developer/1689265930) | [Yalcin Golayoglu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1607333007) |

## What reviewers say

### Barrier

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barrier-screen-time-blocker/id6756778740)

This app helps you regain control over your phone usage by creating a physical barrier to accessing distracting applications. Instead of simply closing apps, it requires you to wait a set amount of time with your phone face down before granting temporary access, prompting reflection on your digital habits.

**Highlights:** Select apps to limit, Automatic app locking, Face-down phone wait for unlock, Temporary app access, Customizable wait times (5-60 seconds), Unlimited apps with paid version

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium for week | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium for month | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium Forever | $9.99 | one-time |


### Screen Time Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-block-app/id6757622975)

Manage your device usage with this app blocker and focus tool. Block distracting applications, set timed focus sessions, and schedule automatic restrictions using native device technology. Track your progress and build healthier digital habits.

**Highlights:** App blocking and locking, Timed focus sessions, Recurring schedules, Statistics and analytics, Preset and custom templates, Smart notifications

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Screen Time Control Premium Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Screen Time Control Premium Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Screen Time Control Premium Annual | $19.99 | per year |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |
| Screen Time Control Premium | $24.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barrier free?

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

### Is Screen Time Control free?

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

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

Screen Time Control is rated higher. Barrier averages 3.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Screen Time Control averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

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

Neither Barrier nor Screen Time Control shows ads.

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

Barrier ships an update every 2 weeks, and Screen Time Control every 2 weeks. Most recently, Barrier was updated on October 24, 2026 and Screen Time Control on October 24, 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.*