Comparison

Screen Time Control vs Focal

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • App blocking and locking
  • Timed focus sessions
  • Recurring schedules
  • Statistics and analytics
  • Preset and custom templates
  • Smart notifications
Features
Read full description

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

About

Focal

This app helps you regain focus by blocking distracting applications and websites during timed work sessions. It offers customizable timers, progress tracking, and quick start presets to enhance productivity for studying, writing, coding, and more.

Highlights
  • Customizable focus timers
  • Block distracting apps and websites
  • Progress tracking and streaks
  • Quick start presets
  • Fullscreen timer interface
  • Clean, distraction-free design
Features
Read full description

Take back your focus. Block distractions. Get more done. Focal is the focus timer that actually keeps you off your phone. Set a timer, block your most distracting apps, and lock in — so you can do your best work without fighting your own device. FOCUS TIMER Start a 25-minute Pomodoro, a 50-minute deep work session, or any custom length you want. The timer runs fullscreen so your only job is to stay in it. BLOCK DISTRACTING APPS Focal uses Screen Time to block apps and websites the moment you start a session. Social media, games, news — gone until your timer ends. No willpower required. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS See your daily focus time, streak, and focus score grow as you build the habit. Small wins add up fast. QUICK START PRESETS Jump into Pomodoro, deep work, or your own custom sessions in one tap. No setup, no friction. BUILT FOR DEEP WORK Clean design with no distractions — because a focus app shouldn't be one more thing competing for your attention. Whether you're studying, writing, coding, or just trying to be more intentional with your time, Focal gives you the structure to make it happen. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Screen Time Control4 screens
Focal4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Focal at every 5 days against Screen Time Control's every 2 weeks. Focal also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Screen Time Control sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Focal sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Screen Time Control against 5.0 for Focal. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 3 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Screen Time Control ships an update every 2 weeks, Focal every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Screen Time Control versus Focal: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterScreen Time ControlFocal
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (4 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings4 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size37 MB51 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYalcin GolayogluVista Wholesale Central LLC

Customer experience

Screen Time Control

All ratings4 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Focal

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

5 purchases

Screen Time Control

Subscriptions3
  • Screen Time Control Premium Weekly$4.997 Days
  • Screen Time Control Premium Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Screen Time Control Premium Annual7 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time2
  • Remove Ads$1.99
  • Screen Time Control Premium$24.99
2 purchases

Focal

Subscriptions2
  • Focal Pro7 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Focal Pro3 Days trial$34.991 Year

Questions

Is Screen Time Control free?
Screen Time Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Focal free?
Focal is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Screen Time Control or Focal?
Screen Time Control and Focal are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4 and 3 ratings respectively.
Do Screen Time Control or Focal have ads?
Neither Screen Time Control nor Focal shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Screen Time Control or Focal?
Screen Time Control ships an update every 2 weeks, and Focal every 5 days. Most recently, Screen Time Control was updated on October 24, 2026 and Focal on October 26, 2026.

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