# Reduce Screen Time vs Basic Mode

The clearest difference is update cadence: Reduce Screen Time at every 8 days against Basic Mode's monthly. Reduce Screen Time also leads on ratings volume (4 vs 1) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Reduce Screen Time sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Basic Mode sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Reduce Screen Time against 5.0 for Basic Mode. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 1 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Reduce Screen Time ships an update every 8 days, Basic Mode monthly. Both last shipped on October 15, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Reduce Screen Time | Basic Mode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reduce-screen-time-mindrot/id6758914060/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/basic-mode-dumb-phone-detox/id6778641529/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 8 days** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 57 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Onur Cagan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1875719291) | [PROBABILITY LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1482354660) |

## What reviewers say

### Reduce Screen Time

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reduce-screen-time-mindrot/id6758914060)

Take control of your digital life with this app designed to help you reclaim focus and boost productivity. Block distracting apps, set custom focus sessions, and track your screen time with insightful analytics. It aims to help you build a healthier relationship with your phone and reduce anxiety.

**Highlights:** Customizable app blocking, Nudges to stop doomscrolling, Instant Zen Mode for focus, Scheduled focus sessions, Gamified leaderboards and achievements, In-depth screen time analytics, Mindful breathing sessions

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1-Week | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Annual D (1 Year) | $14.99 | per year |
| Annual (1 Year) | $24.99 | per year |
| Annual (1 Year) | $29.99 | per year |
| Annual (1-Week Free Trial) (1 Year) | $39.99 | per year |
| Annual (1-Week Free Trial) (1 Year) | $49.99 | per year |


### Basic Mode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/basic-mode-dumb-phone-detox/id6778641529)

Transform your phone into a focused device on a schedule. Block distracting apps, categories, and websites while keeping essential functions accessible. Create custom modes for work, sleep, or family time, with an emergency unlock option.

**Highlights:** Customizable focus modes, Block apps, categories, and websites, Scheduled blocking sessions, Emergency app unlock, Essential app access, Privacy-focused design

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Basic Mode Weekly Lite | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Basic Mode Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Basic Mode Weekly Plus | $7.99 | per 7 days |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Reduce Screen Time free?

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

### Is Basic Mode free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Reduce Screen Time or Basic Mode?

Reduce Screen Time and Basic Mode are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Reduce Screen Time or Basic Mode have ads?

Neither Reduce Screen Time nor Basic Mode shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Reduce Screen Time or Basic Mode?

Reduce Screen Time ships an update every 8 days, and Basic Mode monthly. Most recently, Reduce Screen Time was updated on October 15, 2026 and Basic Mode on October 15, 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.*