# Screen Time Control vs Cortex

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Cortex at 100% against Screen Time Control's 50%. Cortex also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.5). Screen Time Control's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Screen Time Control sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $59.99 per year and Cortex sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Cortex holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 14 and 26 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Screen Time Control's written reviews are positive against 100% of Cortex's.

Screen Time Control ships an update every 2 weeks, Cortex weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Screen Time Control | Cortex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-blucky/id6758042278/reviews) | **[5.0 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cortex-less-phone-more-life/id6760275313/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 14 | **26** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 52 MB | 147 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [DPM APPS LP](https://appshunter.io/developer/1596368239) | [valentino marchesini](https://appshunter.io/developer/1883584552) |

## What reviewers say

### Screen Time Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-blucky/id6758042278)

Regain control of your phone usage with smart focus sessions and app blocking. Create custom schedules and receive reminders to reduce distractions, improve concentration, and build healthier digital habits.

**Highlights:** App blocking, Focus sessions, Customizable schedules, Personalized reminders, Screen time reports, Stickerbook for motivation

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Access | $59.99 | per year |


### Cortex

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cortex-less-phone-more-life/id6760275313)

This app intercepts reflexive app openings, providing a brief pause and a choice to stop or continue. It helps users build real control over their attention, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and track progress in breaking mindless scrolling habits.

**Highlights:** Intercepts reflexive app taps, Provides a short pause before opening apps, Offers a clear choice to stop or continue, Helps recognize and break scrolling patterns, Tracks self-intervention progress, Reduces anxiety and improves sleep

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cortex Pro - Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Cortex Pro - Semanal | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Cortex Pro Annual (3-Day Trial) | $39.99 | per year |
| Cortex Pro Annual | $39.99 | per year |
| Cortex Pro Annual (30-Day Trial) | $39.99 | per year |
| Cortex Pro Annual (25% Off) | $39.99 | per year |
| Cortex Pro - Lifetime | $79.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Screen Time Control free?

Screen Time Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Cortex free?

Cortex is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Screen Time Control or Cortex?

Cortex is rated higher. Screen Time Control averages 4.5 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while Cortex averages 5.0 from 26 ratings.

### Do Screen Time Control or Cortex have ads?

Cortex shows ads; Screen Time Control does not.

### Which is updated more often, Screen Time Control or Cortex?

Screen Time Control ships an update every 2 weeks, and Cortex weekly. Most recently, Screen Time Control was updated on October 31, 2026 and Cortex on November 5, 2026.

---

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