Comparison

StayBack vs AppTime

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

StayBack

Features
Read full description

Ever wondered why it's so hard to put down your phone? Because it's right there. StayBack solves this with a simple but effective approach: complete a quick challenge to unlock your restricted apps and earn 15 minutes of screen time. Three unlock challenges to make you "snap out of it" before picking up your phone: PREFRONTAL ACTIVATION Complete 5 rounds of timed "subtract 7" mental math. This engages your prefrontal cortex and breaks the autopilot scrolling loop. After finishing, you may realize you didn't really need your phone. VOCABULARY CHALLENGE Learn 3 English words each time you unlock - memorize, then spell. Turn the urge to check your phone into a learning opportunity and build your vocabulary without even trying. DISTANCE UNLOCK Your iPhone and Apple Watch measure real-time distance via Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. Walk at least 5 meters away to unlock. Physical separation works better than willpower. KEY FEATURES - Choose which apps or categories to restrict - Set daily time limits - Apps lock automatically when time runs out - Three unlock methods to choose from - Apple Watch real-time distance display (for distance unlock) - Runs entirely on-device, zero data uploaded PRIVACY StayBack collects no personal data. No accounts, no cloud, no analytics, no ads. Everything stays on your device. REQUIREMENTS - iPhone 11 or later (UWB required for distance unlock) - Apple Watch (for distance unlock) - iOS 17+ Free download. No in-app purchases. No ads. A small tool by an indie developer, hoping to help you reclaim a little time.

About

AppTime

Build positive habits and manage your screen time by earning points for completing goals. Trade self-discipline for freedom and reduce distractions with a rewarding system.

Highlights
  • Build custom daily habits
  • Earn points for habit completion
  • Redeem points for entertainment app time
  • Track daily status with Health Value
  • Complete system tasks for extra time
  • Home screen widgets for quick check-ins
  • iCloud sync across devices
Features
Read full description

Self-discipline for more freedom Turn good habits into usable screen time. Every check-in becomes a small reward for yourself. HabitTime helps you build daily habits and manage entertainment app time. With Health Value, points, system tasks, and screen time rewards, you can reduce distractions in a more positive and rewarding way. ■ Build Daily Habits Create your own habit goals, such as running, studying, meditating, walking, or putting down your phone before bed. Earn points every time you complete a habit check-in. Make your progress visible and easier to keep going. ■ Redeem Screen Time with Points Complete habits to earn points, then use those points to redeem time for entertainment apps. Trade self-discipline for freedom, and take control of your screen time instead of letting it control you. ■ Track Your Daily Status with Health Value The Health Value module on the home screen helps you quickly understand your screen time status for the day. As you reduce entertainment time and complete more habits, your daily progress becomes clearer. ■ System Tasks for Better Self-control In addition to custom habits, HabitTime provides system tasks to help you get back on track. When you want to continue using entertainment apps, you can complete a small task first and earn more free time. ■ Custom Habit Management Create custom habits with your own name, emoji, points, target count, and notes. View your habit cards in grid or list layout, and organize your daily goals at your own pace. ■ Quick Check-in Widget HabitTime supports home screen widgets. Check your habits and complete check-ins without opening the app. Make habit tracking faster, easier, and more suitable for daily use. ■ iCloud Sync Across Devices Habits, check-in records, and points can sync through iCloud. Switch between devices and continue tracking your progress anytime. Reducing entertainment time is not about limiting yourself. It is about giving time back to yourself. HabitTime Use self-discipline to earn freedom. Subscription Information Pro membership supports lifetime purchase, monthly subscription, and yearly subscription. Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions renew automatically unless auto-renewal is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Renewal will be charged within 24 hours before the end of the current period, and the renewal price will be confirmed. You can manage or cancel your subscription in system settings: Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions Active subscriptions cannot be canceled or refunded during the subscription period. Terms of Use: https://www.notion.so/timekeep/HabitTime-User-Agreement-34e5858d47868102819cd470c6e2380d?source=copy_link Privacy Policy: https://www.notion.so/timekeep/HabitTime-Privacy-Policy-34e5858d4786804cbc80e9b66b6fe777?source=copy_link Feedback is welcome: 3578027083@qq.com

Screenshots

StayBack4 screens
AppTime4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: StayBack at none against AppTime's 4. On price, update cadence, ads 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. AppTime sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per year. StayBack asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

StayBack ships an update every 2 weeks, AppTime every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
StayBack versus AppTime: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStayBackAppTime
PriceFreeFree
Rating—3.3 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—80.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—3 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB25 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperShanghai Jiyou Information Technology Service Center帆 邱

In-app purchases

None

StayBack

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

AppTime

Subscriptions1
  • Subscribe Pro$5.991 Year
One-time3
  • Lifetime Pro$7.99
  • Lifetime Pro$9.99
  • Lifetime Pro$19.99

Questions

Is StayBack free?
StayBack is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is AppTime free?
AppTime is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do StayBack or AppTime have ads?
Neither StayBack nor AppTime shows ads.
Which is updated more often, StayBack or AppTime?
StayBack ships an update every 2 weeks, and AppTime every 3 weeks. Most recently, StayBack was updated on October 16, 2026 and AppTime on October 7, 2026.

Other comparisons