# StayGray vs Grayscale

The clearest difference is price: StayGray at Free against Grayscale's $1.99. Grayscale's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and review sentiment (100% vs 67%). On update cadence, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

StayGray is free to download; Grayscale costs $1.99 up front. StayGray sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Grayscale asks for nothing beyond the download.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | StayGray | Grayscale |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| Rating | **[3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staygray/id6757358852/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3** | — |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 21 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MATTHIAS NEUWIRTH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1819953456) | [Iliane Zedadra](https://appshunter.io/developer/1571284261) |

## What reviewers say

### StayGray

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staygray/id6757358852)

This app helps reduce screen time by automatically switching your device to grayscale. You can customize when color is allowed, set schedules, and track your progress in reducing usage.

**Highlights:** Automatic grayscale switching, Customizable color exceptions, Scheduled monochrome periods, Location-based color activation, Progress tracking for screen time, Color breaks for temporary color access

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $1.99 | per month |
| StayGray Plus | $8.99 | per year |
| StayGray Plus: Lifetime | $24.99 | one-time |


### Grayscale

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grayscale-reduce-screen-time/id6760229480)

This app helps you focus by converting websites to black and white within Safari. Reduce visual distractions and make your browsing experience calmer by default. It offers simple, private control through a Safari extension.

**Highlights:** Convert websites to grayscale in Safari, Whitelist domains to keep them in color, One-tap control via Safari extension, Lightweight and private design, Reduces visual noise and stimulation

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StayGray free?

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

### Is Grayscale free?

Grayscale costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do StayGray or Grayscale have ads?

Neither StayGray nor Grayscale shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StayGray or Grayscale?

StayGray ships an update fortnightly, and Grayscale fortnightly. Most recently, StayGray was updated on October 31, 2026 and Grayscale 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.*