EXO vs FocusFirst Screen Time Control
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
EXO
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Block the apps that eat your day — on demand, or automatically. Start a focus session when you need to work right now. Or pick your hours once, and EXO blocks distracting apps at those times every week, even when EXO is closed. Then watch your focus hours climb and your scrolling drop. Calls and texts always come through - never miss anything important Built for professionals, students, and adults with ADHD who want fewer interruptions and more finished work. FOCUS SESSIONS — FOCUS ON DEMAND • Pick one priority, set the length, press start • The apps you chose stay blocked until the timer ends • Any length up to 60 minutes: a quick sprint or a long deep-work block • End early whenever you need to — you are always in control FOCUS SCHEDULES — FOCUS ON AUTOPILOT • Choose your days and your start and end time • EXO blocks your apps in that window, week after week, with nothing to remember • Keeps working when EXO is closed • Run several at once: deep work in the morning, study after dinner, wind-down at night YOU DECIDE WHAT GETS BLOCKED • Block individual apps, entire categories, or websites • Anything you leave off your list keeps working normally • Change the list any time in Settings • Try to open a blocked app and EXO shows your shield instead — a reminder that you chose this • Powered by Apple Screen Time. EXO never sees which apps you picked; Apple keeps that private FOCUS MUSIC BUILT FOR CONCENTRATION • Ambient focus music layered with binaural beats • Use headphones for the binaural effect • Prefer silence? Run any session with sound off COLLECT A UNIVERSE WHILE YOU WORK • Every session runs against a living galaxy • Finish a session and you unlock a new one • 18 galaxies to collect, so the habit builds something you can see YOUR PROGRESS, IN NUMBERS • Focus time and distracting-app time, side by side • Trends week over week: focus hours going up, scrolling going down • Which app changed the most since last period • Streaks that reward showing up every day FREE VS PREMIUM Free is a real product, not a trial. Every day you get: • One full 25-minute focus session, with app blocking • Today's focus and distraction numbers • Focus music and 3 starter galaxies Premium is for when one session a day is not enough: • Unlimited sessions, any length up to 60 minutes • Focus Schedules — automatic blocking on the hours you set • 7-day and 30-day trends and per-app breakdowns • All 18 galaxies PLANS • Yearly — best value, and it starts with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers • Monthly — no free trial • Lifetime — one payment, no subscription, nothing ever renews Current prices are shown in the App Store and on the purchase screen in the app. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION • The Yearly subscription renews every year; the Monthly subscription renews every month • The 7-day free trial applies to the Yearly plan and only for new subscribers. If you do not cancel at least 24 hours before it ends, it becomes a paid yearly subscription • Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase • Your subscription renews automatically unless you cancel at least 24 hours before the end of the current period • Your account is charged for renewal within 24 hours before the end of the current period • You can manage or cancel your subscription any time in your Apple Account settings • Lifetime is a one-time purchase. It does not renew and you are never charged again LEGAL Terms of Use (EULA) https://www.argonera.com/legal/terms/index.html#exo Privacy Policy https://www.argonera.com/legal/privacy/index.html#exo EXO supports focus and productivity routines. It is not a medical device and does not diagnose or treat ADHD or any other condition.
FocusFirst Screen Time Control
This app helps you reclaim your time by blocking distracting applications and encouraging focused activity. It's designed to foster a more deliberate relationship with your phone, reducing mindless scrolling and guilt while building momentum towards your goals.
- Block distracting apps
- Earn screen time through focused activity
- Build healthy boundaries
- Reduce mindless scrolling
- Increase momentum towards goals
- Promotes deliberate phone use
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Take back control of your time. FocusFirst helps you spend less time scrolling and more time on the things that actually move your life forward. Whether you’re studying, building a business, learning a language, reading, exercising, or simply trying to be more intentional with your day, FocusFirst gives you a better way to protect your attention. Most apps compete for your focus. FocusFirst helps you reclaim it. Instead of relying on willpower alone, FocusFirst helps you build healthy boundaries around the apps that pull you off course. Block the distractions that interrupt your momentum, focus on something meaningful, and earn time back as you make progress. It’s a simple idea, but it changes the feeling of using your phone: - less mindless checking - less guilt - less friction when you want to stay on track - more momentum toward the work, habits, and routines you care about FocusFirst is built for people who want a calmer, more deliberate relationship with their phone. Not punishment. Not shame. Just a clearer way to stay aligned with your priorities. Focus first. Scroll later. FocusFirst is free to download, but a subscription is required to use the app. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: FocusFirst Screen Time Control at every 2 weeks against EXO's every 3 months. EXO's advantage is iOS requirement (16.6 vs 26.1). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. EXO sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and FocusFirst Screen Time Control sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
EXO ships an update every 3 months, FocusFirst Screen Time Control every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | EXO | FocusFirst Screen Time Control |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Subscription |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 — better | 26.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 91 MB | 34 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Argonera SL | Michael Riehl |
In-app purchases
EXO
- EXO Premium Monthly$9.991 Month
- Exo Premium Yearly7 Days trial$39.991 Year
FocusFirst Screen Time Control
- Focus First | Monthly7 Days trial$8.991 Month
- Focus First | Yearly1 Month trial$39.991 Year
- Focus First | Yearly7 Days trial$49.991 Year
Questions
Is EXO free?
Is FocusFirst Screen Time Control free?
Do EXO or FocusFirst Screen Time Control have ads?
Which is updated more often, EXO or FocusFirst Screen Time Control?
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