# Screen Time Control vs Hourglow

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Screen Time Control | Hourglow |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-block-app/id6757622975/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **4** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 37 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Yalcin Golayoglu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1607333007) | [Suna Ordulu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1754727111) |

## 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 |


### Hourglow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hourglow-screen-time-blocker/id6766261424)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Annual | $19.99 | per year |


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