WhyNow vs Intentional
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
WhyNow
This app helps you reduce time spent on distracting applications by requiring intentional unlocks. Create custom blocking profiles and choose from various unlock methods like physical movement, QR codes, or timers to build better phone habits.
- Block distracting apps
- Create focused profiles
- Unlock with movement challenges
- Use QR codes or NFC tags
- Add timers and delays
- Track focus progress
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WhyNow helps you spend less time on distracting apps by making every unlock intentional. Instead of relying only on limits you can ignore, WhyNow lets you create blocking profiles for the apps that pull you in, then choose how access should be unlocked. Move before you scroll, scan a QR code, tap an NFC tag, wait through a timer, pause with intention, or use emergency access when you truly need it. Use WhyNow to: - Block distracting apps with Apple Screen Time - Create focused profiles for work, study, sleep, mornings, nights, or deep focus - Unlock with pushups and movement-based challenges - Use QR codes or NFC tags as physical keys - Add timers, delays, pauses, and emergency access - Track sessions and see your focus progress over time - Build better phone habits without losing access when it matters WhyNow is built for people who want practical screen time control, not guilt. It helps you create friction in the moments when you need it most, so opening a distracting app becomes a conscious choice instead of a reflex. Start with a simple profile, choose the apps you want to block, pick an unlock method, and let WhyNow help you reclaim your time one session at a time. Terms of Use: https://tanvir.io/awesomeapps/terms Privacy Policy: https://tanvir.io/awesomeapps/privacy
Intentional
This app helps you regain control of your phone usage by introducing a brief pause before opening distracting applications. Set time limits and lock apps automatically when your session ends, breaking autopilot behavior without relying on willpower.
- Brief pause before app opening
- Set time limits for apps
- Automatic app locking
- Game mode during countdowns
- Session reminders
- Background enforcement
- Distraction-free design
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Your phone takes hours from you every day. Intentional gives them back. Instead of blocking your apps, Intentional adds one simple step — a brief pause before you open them. That moment is enough to break the autopilot and put you back in control. Pick the apps that waste your time. Set a time limit. Use them on your terms. When your session ends, they lock again — no willpower required. Features include game mode during countdowns, session reminders, background enforcement, and a clean distraction-free design. Subscription required for core app features. The average person spends over 4 hours a day on their phone. Intentional can help you reclaim over 400 of those hours this year.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is monetization model: WhyNow at freemium against Intentional's subscription. Intentional's advantage is ratings volume (3 vs 1). On price, rating, update cadence and ads 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. WhyNow sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and Intentional sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $2.99 per month. 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 WhyNow against 5.0 for Intentional. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 3 respectively.
WhyNow ships an update every 9 days, Intentional every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | WhyNow | Intentional |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) | 5.0 (3 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 3 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days — better | Every 2 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium — better | Subscription |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 17.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 108 MB | 1 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Taseen Tanvir | Nicholas Kneafsey |
Customer experience
WhyNow
Intentional
In-app purchases
WhyNow
- WhyNow Monthly$9.991 Month
- WhyNow Annual Save Offer$39.991 Year
- WhyNow Annual7 Days trial$59.991 Year
Intentional
- Intentional Monthly1 Month trial$2.991 Month








