Comparison

Held vs reason

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

Head to head
About

Held

Features
Read full description

Held helps you turn intentions into repeatable focus rituals, then protects that time by blocking distracting apps while your ritual is active. Create rituals manually, by voice, or simply tell the in-app AI coach what you want to do and how long you have. Held turns it into a clear, step-by-step ritual you can follow. What you can do with Held Create focus rituals in seconds (manual, voice, or AI-guided) Block selected apps or block everything during a ritual (so you can’t “accidentally” drift) Build streaks and stay consistent with gentle momentum Track your progress and see how your habits evolve over time Get coaching when you feel the urge to unlock, quick prompts, not essays Perfect for Deep work, studying, evening shutdown routines, workouts, reading, journaling, anything you want to protect from distractions. Make focus automatic. Protect your time. Build your streak. Privacy Policy URL: https://held-app.framer.website/legals/privacy-policy Terms of Service (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

reason

This app helps you regain control over your screen time by requiring you to state a reason and set a time limit before accessing distracting applications. It introduces a moment of friction to discourage mindless app usage and reduce overall phone engagement.

Highlights
  • App blocking
  • Reason-based access
  • Time limits
  • Reduces screen addiction
  • Discourages mindless usage
Features
Read full description

Choose which apps are a problem for you and Reason will block them. When you want to use them, you'll have to enter a reason and set yourself a time limit. Often you'll just close these apps instead of entering a reason, but even if you don't, your open app will be blocked once your time limit runs out. If you're struggling with screen addiction, this app is for you. If you find yourself opening apps for no apparent reason, we're on the case. If you open messages from friends and then get stuck doomscrolling, we've got you covered. It's a small moment of friction, but by pausing and stating your reason for opening distracting apps, you'll find yourself spending less time glued to your phone. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula

Screenshots

Held4 screens
reason4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Held at 18.0 against reason's 26.0. 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Held sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and reason sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
Held versus reason: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHeldreason
PriceFreeFree
Rating—1.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequency—Every 10 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS18.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size22 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRelja BulajicThomas Woodruff

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Held

Subscriptions2
  • Held Premium$5.991 Month
  • Held Premium$49.991 Year
2 purchases

reason

Subscriptions2
  • Reason Premium3 Days trial$5.991 Month
  • Reason Premium7 Days trial$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Held free?
Held is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is reason free?
reason is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Held or reason have ads?
Neither Held nor reason shows ads.

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