StayBack vs Pactly
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
StayBack
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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.
Pactly
This app locks your selected applications until you complete assigned tasks. Earn screen time by finishing homework, chores, or workouts, and unlock your apps automatically. Build daily streaks and track your progress to manage your digital habits.
- Lock apps until tasks are completed
- Customizable screen time rewards for tasks
- Set task priority levels
- Delay task reminders
- Track daily streaks and progress
- Home screen widget for task overview
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Pactly turns your tasks into screen time rewards. Add the things you need to get done: homework, chores, workouts, anything. Complete them and earn minutes of screen time. Until you do, your chosen apps stay locked. HOW IT WORKS • Add tasks for your day, each with a screen time reward • Your selected apps are locked until tasks are complete • Finish a task → earn the minutes → apps unlock automatically • Build daily streaks and track your progress over time FEATURES • Screen Time integration — lock any apps you choose • Customizable rewards — set how many minutes each task is worth • Priority levels — mark tasks as low, medium, or high priority • Delay reminders — need more time? Delay a task and get reminded later • Daily streaks — stay consistent and watch your streak grow • History view — see everything you've completed and your stats • Home screen widget — check your tasks without opening the app • Daily reminder — get a morning nudge to plan your day PROMPTLY PRO • Unlimited tasks per day • Lock unlimited apps • Everything you need to stay on track Pactly is the app for anyone who wants to earn their screen time instead of just spending it. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is device support: StayBack at 3 against Pactly's 1. On price, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
| Parameter | StayBack | Pactly |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 1.0 (2 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 2 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 3 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Shanghai Jiyou Information Technology Service Center | Nanda Subramani |
In-app purchases
StayBack
No in-app purchases
Pactly
No in-app purchases









