Comparison

Screen Time Control vs Hourglow

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

Hourglow

Features
Read full description

Reclaim your time. Hourglow blocks the apps and websites that pull you in, so you can focus on what actually matters. Social media at work. Games before bed. Endless scrolling when you should be studying. Hourglow puts you back in control with a single tap. BLOCK DISTRACTIONS INSTANTLY Pick the apps, websites, or whole categories you want a break from, set a timer, and go. 15 minutes or 4 hours, focus starts now. SET IT AND FORGET IT Create recurring schedules that block automatically: work hours, study sessions, bedtime, the gym. Your focus runs on autopilot, every day. BLOCK BY PLACE Trigger blocks the moment you arrive somewhere. Walk into the office or the library and the distractions switch off by themselves. DAILY LIMITS Give yourself a budget. When you hit your daily minutes on an app, Hourglow steps in. STRICT MODE For the moments you would talk yourself out of it. Lock your blocks behind a PIN, a confirmation phrase, and a cool-down delay, so the spur-of-the-moment urge can't win. KEEP WHAT MATTERS WORKING Add an allowlist for the apps that should never be blocked, like phone, maps, messages, and accessibility tools. MAKE IT YOURS Replace the block screen with your own title and motivational message. A reminder of your goals every time you reach for a distraction. SEE YOUR PROGRESS Track the time you've reclaimed with clean weekly stats and insights. Watch your screen time drop. PRIVATE BY DESIGN Hourglow is built on Apple's Screen Time technology. Your data stays on your device. No accounts, no tracking, no sharing. Ever. HOURGLOW PREMIUM Unlock the full experience: - Unlimited apps and categories - Recurring and location-based schedules - Daily usage limits - Strict Mode - Detailed insights - Custom shield messages Try Premium free for 3 days. Cancel anytime. Start with a single block. Reclaim hours. Hourglow offers auto-renewing subscriptions: Annual (with a 3-day free trial) and Weekly. Prices are shown in the app. Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions renew automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel anytime in your App Store account settings. Any unused portion of a free trial is forfeited when you buy a subscription. Terms of Use: https://appfusionutilities.com/focusGuard/terms_of_use.html Privacy Policy: https://appfusionutilities.com/focusGuard/privacy_policy.html

Screenshots

Screen Time Control4 screens
Hourglow4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Screen Time Control at every 2 weeks against Hourglow's every 3 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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 Hourglow sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Screen Time Control ships an update every 2 weeks, Hourglow every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and August 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Screen Time Control versus Hourglow: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterScreen Time ControlHourglow
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size37 MB16 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYalcin GolayogluSuna Ordulu

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

Hourglow

Subscriptions2
  • Weekly$4.997 Days
  • Annual3 Days trial$19.991 Year

Questions

Is Screen Time Control free?
Screen Time Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Hourglow free?
Hourglow is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Screen Time Control or Hourglow have ads?
Neither Screen Time Control nor Hourglow shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Screen Time Control or Hourglow?
Screen Time Control ships an update every 2 weeks, and Hourglow every 3 months. Most recently, Screen Time Control was updated on October 24, 2026 and Hourglow on August 30, 2026.

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