Comparison

Held vs Svala

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β€” 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 β€œaccidentally” 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

Svala

Read full description

Set daily limits for distracting apps and websites, block them at the times you choose, and pause before deciding whether you want more time. Svala is an app blocker for more intentional screen time. Daily limits, scheduled blocks, and temporary unlocks require Svala Annual, a paid subscription. LIMITS THAT FIT YOUR DAY β€’ Individual limits: Give an app or website a daily allowance. Set different allowances for different days of the week. β€’ Group limits: Share one daily allowance across several apps or websites. For example, set aside 30 minutes for all your social apps combined. β€’ Scheduled blocks: Choose which apps and websites to block, on which days, and at what times. Keep distractions out of your workday, study time, or bedtime routine. PAUSE BEFORE YOU UNLOCK When a limit is reached or a scheduled block is active, Svala shows a blocking screen. You can step away, or choose to unlock a little more time with a math, typing, or memory challenge, or a guided Eye Break. Choose how much extra time a challenge grants and how many challenge unlocks you can use each day. A brief emergency unlock is also available when you need access quickly. PRIVATE BY DESIGN Your limits, schedules, and Screen Time selections stay on your device. No ads, no tracking, and no Svala account required. Svala uses Apple’s Screen Time technology and needs your permission to apply your rules. SVALA ANNUAL Eligible subscribers can start with a 14-day free trial. Svala Annual is billed when the trial ends and renews yearly unless canceled. To avoid being charged after the trial, cancel at least 24 hours before it ends. Manage or cancel your subscription in your App Store subscription settings. Privacy Policy: https://getsvala.app/privacy Terms of Use: https://getsvala.app/terms

Screenshots

Held4 screens
Svala4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Held at 18.0 against Svala's 26.0. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. Held sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and Svala sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $5.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Scorecard1 real difference Β· 5 level
Held versus Svala: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHeldSvala
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyβ€”Every 11 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad β€” better
Requires iOS18.0 β€” better26.0
Further details β€” not scored
Size22 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRelja BulajicSebastian Kalita

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Held

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

Svala

Subscriptions1
  • Svala Annual14 Days trial$5.991 Year

Questions

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

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