# Screen Time Control vs Focal

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Screen Time Control | Focal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-block-app/id6757622975/reviews) | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focal-focus-and-blocking/id6758582225/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 37 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Yalcin Golayoglu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1607333007) | [Vista Wholesale Central LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1873775285) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### Focal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focal-focus-and-blocking/id6758582225)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Focal Pro | $4.99 | per month |
| Focal Pro | $34.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*