Comparison

ScreenHalt vs Cala

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

Head to head
About

ScreenHalt

This app helps you regain control of your digital habits by setting strict limits on app usage and opens. It enforces these boundaries to prevent mindless scrolling and encourage discipline. Take back your time and build healthier routines with its simple, distraction-free interface.

Highlights
  • Limit daily app opens
  • Set time limits for specific apps
  • Enforce strict usage boundaries
  • Simple and distraction-free interface
  • Build healthier digital habits
Features
Read full description

ScreenHalt helps you focus and reduce mindless scrolling by putting firm limits on how much time you spend on apps each day. Set daily limits for app opens and screen time, then let ScreenHalt enforce them. When you reach your limit, access is blocked — no extra scrolling, no exceptions. Designed for people who want real control over their digital habits, ScreenHalt encourages discipline without guilt. Features: • Limit daily app opens • Limit time spent in specific apps • Enforce strict usage boundaries • Simple and distraction-free experience Take back your time and build healthier habits with ScreenHalt. ScreenHalt offers premium features through auto-renewable subscriptions. • Payment will be charged to your App Store account at confirmation of purchase • Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period • Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period • You can manage and cancel your subscriptions in your App Store account settings Terms of Service: https://ScreenHalt.app/terms-of-service Privacy Policy: https://ScreenHalt.app/privacy-policy

About

Cala

Read full description

You pick up your phone for "just a second" — and 45 minutes disappear. Cala stops that cycle with real app blocking and a ten-second breath that turns impulse into intention. When you open a blocked app, Cala holds a shield. You breathe, then choose how long you need — 5, 15, or 30 minutes. When time's up, the app locks itself again. You decided in advance, so the moment doesn't get a vote. WHAT CALA DOES • Blocks any app or website with Apple's Screen Time shields — real blocking, not reminders • No Shortcuts to wire up and no workarounds to maintain — grant Screen Time access once and you're protected • Protects on your schedule: work hours, evenings, overnight, or all day • A short breathing exercise before every unlock — a pause, not a punishment • Timed access that re-locks automatically when you're done • Three strictness levels — Standard, Strict, and Locked. As firm as you need. • Habits and tasks live inside your protected hours, so the shield offers a better option, not just a wall • A Focus Score that measures the time you protected and the wins you stacked — not your failures • A weekly review of your wins, ready every Monday AS FIRM AS YOU NEED Standard asks for a calm ten-second breath before each unlock. Strict makes each unlock cost a little more. Locked holds the line completely — with a once-a-day emergency pass, because life happens. PRIVATE BY DESIGN Cala never sees which apps you open or for how long. Apple's Screen Time design keeps that on your device, and we like it that way. FREE TO START One schedule, unlimited blocked apps, two habits, your Focus Score, and the full breathing unlock — free. Cala Pro adds unlimited schedules and habits, Strict and Locked levels, and your complete history. Your phone, your rules. Cala keeps them. Terms of Use: https://heycala.com/terms

Screenshots

ScreenHalt4 screens
Cala4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: ScreenHalt at every 2 weeks against Cala's every 2 months. Cala's advantage is iOS requirement (18.0 vs 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. ScreenHalt sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month and Cala sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ScreenHalt ships an update every 2 weeks, Cala every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
ScreenHalt versus Cala: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterScreenHaltCala
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (9 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings9 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS26.018.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size45 MB26 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperScreenHalt LLCSpark Digital Incorporated

In-app purchases

3 purchases

ScreenHalt

Subscriptions2
  • One Month Premium$8.991 Month
  • Annual Premium$59.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Premium$149.99
2 purchases

Cala

Subscriptions2
  • Cala Pro — Monthly7 Days trial$7.991 Month
  • Cala Pro — Yearly7 Days trial$59.991 Year

Questions

Is ScreenHalt free?
ScreenHalt is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Cala free?
Cala is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do ScreenHalt or Cala have ads?
Neither ScreenHalt nor Cala shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ScreenHalt or Cala?
ScreenHalt ships an update every 2 weeks, and Cala every 2 months. Most recently, ScreenHalt was updated on October 24, 2026 and Cala on October 28, 2026.

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