Screen Time Control vs BlockMate
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Screen Time Control
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.
- App blocking and locking
- Timed focus sessions
- Recurring schedules
- Statistics and analytics
- Preset and custom templates
- Smart notifications
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Take control of your iPhone with Screen Time Control - the ultimate app blocking and focus management solution. Block distracting apps, create focus sessions, and schedule automatic app restrictions using Apple's native Screen Time technology. KEY FEATURES: App Block & App Lock: Instantly block any apps on your iPhone. Our powerful app blocking feature uses Apple's Screen Time API to securely lock apps and prevent distractions. Perfect for app blocking, app locking, and app hiding. Focus Sessions with Timer: Create timed focus sessions to block apps for specific durations. Set custom timers and stay focused on your tasks. Whether you need a quick 15-minute focus block or an extended work session, our timer feature helps you maintain concentration. Recurring Schedules (Time Block): Automatically block apps during specific times and days. Set up work hours, study periods, or sleep schedules. Apps will be automatically restricted during your scheduled time blocks, helping you establish healthy digital habits. Statistics & Analytics: Track your focus progress with detailed statistics. Monitor total focus time, session completion rates, and daily summaries. View your productivity trends over time. Preset Templates: Get started quickly with built-in templates like Deep Work, Pomodoro Session, and Study Time. Create custom templates for your favorite focus patterns. Smart Notifications: Receive notifications when schedules start, focus sessions begin or end, and get warnings before sessions complete. Easy App Selection: Simple and intuitive interface to select which apps to block. Use the native iOS Family Activity Picker for seamless app selection. PREMIUM FEATURES: Upgrade to Premium to unlock unlimited power: Unlimited App Blocking - Block as many apps as you need (Free: 1 app limit) Unlimited Focus Sessions - Create and run multiple focus sessions simultaneously (Free: 1 active session) Custom Duration - Set any timer duration you want - minutes or hours (Free: 30 minutes fixed) Unlimited Schedules - Create unlimited recurring schedules and time blocks (Free: 1 schedule limit) Advanced Customization - Full access to all scheduling and blocking options PERFECT FOR: Students - Block social media and games during study hours Professionals - Stay focused during work hours with automatic app restrictions Digital Wellness Seekers - Reduce screen time and build healthier phone habits Pomodoro Users - Create timed focus sessions for productivity techniques Anyone wanting app control - Simple and effective way to limit app usage USE CASES: Block social media apps during work hours Create 25-minute Pomodoro focus sessions Schedule study blocks with automatic app restrictions Set sleep schedules to block all apps at night Use time blocks to limit gaming or entertainment apps Hide distracting apps during important meetings HOW IT WORKS: Screen Time Control leverages Apple's Family Controls and ManagedSettings frameworks for secure, system-level app blocking. All blocking happens through iOS Screen Time, ensuring your device remains secure while giving you powerful control over app access. KEYWORDS & FEATURES: This app block, app lock, and screen time management tool helps you: Block apps securely using Screen Time Create focus sessions with customizable timers Set up time blocks and recurring schedules Restrict app access during specific hours Hide apps temporarily for better focus Limit screen time and reduce distractions Stay focused with automatic app blocking Control iPhone app usage effectively Whether you're looking for an app blocker, app locker, focus timer, or comprehensive screen time control, this is the solution for iPhone users who want to take back control of their digital life. Privacy Policy: https://screentimecontrol.blogspot.com/p/privacy-policy.html Terms of Use: https://screentimecontrol.blogspot.com/p/terms-of-use-eula.html
BlockMate
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Stop doomscrolling. Without willpower. BlockMate is your AI mate for intentional screen time on iPhone. Instead of hard-blocking apps, it asks one honest question when you reach for Instagram, TikTok, or any app you'd rather not be on. Most of the time, you put the phone down on your own. The friendly way to reduce screen time, without locking yourself out of your own phone. THE PROBLEM You unlock your phone 80+ times a day. Most of those weren't your idea. Hard blockers fail because you override them. Willpower runs out by 2 PM. The lever that actually works is intention — and you only need one second of it, the moment your thumb is moving. Whether you call it doomscrolling, phone addiction, or just a habit you'd like to break, the same one-second lever applies. HOW IT WORKS 1. Pick the apps that pull you in. Instagram, TikTok, X, Reddit, YouTube Shorts — gate any apps, categories, or websites in Safari. BlockMate uses Apple's FamilyControls API, so the gating is real. 2. When you reach for one, BlockMate asks why. A short, honest exchange. No password, no countdown — a 30-second conversation. The AI mate reflects what you said before it asks anything. 3. Walk away, or get exactly the time you asked for. Real reason? You get the minutes you named. Just bargaining? You'll catch yourself, and the app stays closed. Auto-locks when time's up. WHY IT WORKS - Reflects, then asks. A bare question is interrogation. BlockMate restates what you said before asking anything. - Self-compassion, not shame. Honest impulses get honored. Guilt cycles drive more scrolling, not less. - Your past self knew. You set this up in a clear moment, for a foggy one. - Adapts as you grow. The more intentional you become, the quieter BlockMate gets. VS HARD BLOCKERS Opal, One Sec, Jomo, ScreenZen, Refocus — every one promises to reduce screen time. Every one relies on willpower. BlockMate uses a different lever: a 30-second conversation in the moment your thumb is moving. A mate, not a warden. PRIVACY - Apple FamilyControls — your blocklist stays on your device. - Conversations are short, anonymized, and never sold. - No ad networks. No third-party trackers. The product is the business. PRICING Free to start. Upgrade to unlock unlimited negotiations, multi-app gating, and adaptive coaching that learns your patterns. Yearly plan starts with a 7-day free trial. The friendly way to reduce screen time. Helping people live a little more, scroll a little less. Terms of Service: https://cloudy-bite-d28.notion.site/Terms-of-Service-354cc3aac91081908268cf66507229ec Privacy Policy: https://cloudy-bite-d28.notion.site/Privacy-Policy-2f1cc3aac9108061b102e03cf5eb3ce8
Screenshots
Verdict
Screen Time Control and BlockMate are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Screen Time Control sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days and BlockMate sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
| Parameter | Screen Time Control | BlockMate |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 37 MB | 30 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Yalcin Golayoglu | Oleh Hykavyy |
In-app purchases
Screen Time Control
- Screen Time Control Premium Weekly$1.997 Days
- Screen Time Control Premium Monthly$4.991 Month
- Screen Time Control Premium Annual7 Days trial$19.991 Year
- Remove Ads$1.99
- Screen Time Control Premium$24.99
BlockMate
- BlockMate Pro (Monthly)$6.991 Month
- BlockMate Pro (Annual)7 Days trial$59.991 Year
Questions
Is Screen Time Control free?
Is BlockMate free?
Do Screen Time Control or BlockMate have ads?
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