# Screen Time Control vs Amber Lock

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Amber Lock at 100% against Screen Time Control's 50%. Amber Lock also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.5) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). Screen Time Control's advantage is ratings volume (14 vs 2). On price, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Screen Time Control sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $59.99 per year. Amber Lock asks for nothing beyond the download.

Amber Lock holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Screen Time Control has 14 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Screen Time Control's written reviews are positive against 100% of Amber Lock's.

Screen Time Control ships an update every 2 weeks, Amber Lock every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Screen Time Control | Amber Lock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-blucky/id6758042278/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/amber-lock-screen-time-limit/id6800528861/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **14** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 52 MB | 53 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [DPM APPS LP](https://appshunter.io/developer/1596368239) | [Gnomestead Collective LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1842522057) |

## 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 |


### Amber Lock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/amber-lock-screen-time-limit/id6800528861)

This app locks distracting applications in digital amber, requiring you to walk to unlock them. Earn screen time by converting your steps, providing a unique friction-based approach to managing digital distractions.

**Highlights:** Lock distracting apps, Unlock by walking, Steps convert to screen time, Background step counting, No guilt or lectures, Privacy-focused data handling

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Screen Time Control free?

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

### Is Amber Lock free?

Amber Lock is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Screen Time Control or Amber Lock?

Amber Lock is rated higher. Screen Time Control averages 4.5 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while Amber Lock averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Screen Time Control or Amber Lock have ads?

Neither Screen Time Control nor Amber Lock shows ads.

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

Screen Time Control ships an update every 2 weeks, and Amber Lock every 4 days. Most recently, Screen Time Control was updated on October 24, 2026 and Amber Lock on October 11, 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.*