# WhyNow vs Bastion

The clearest difference is ads: WhyNow at none against Bastion's shown. On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. WhyNow sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and Bastion sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 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 Bastion. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

WhyNow ships an update every 9 days, Bastion weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | WhyNow | Bastion |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/whynow-screen-time-control/id6759068920/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bastion-screen-time-control/id6762038361/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 108 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Taseen Tanvir](https://appshunter.io/developer/1876638120) | [Automation Launchpad](https://appshunter.io/developer/1887975492) |

## What reviewers say

### WhyNow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/whynow-screen-time-control/id6759068920)

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.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps, Create focused profiles, Unlock with movement challenges, Use QR codes or NFC tags, Add timers and delays, Track focus progress

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| WhyNow Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| WhyNow Annual Save Offer | $39.99 | per year |
| WhyNow Annual | $59.99 | per year |


### Bastion

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bastion-screen-time-control/id6762038361)

This app helps you reduce distractions and break phone addiction by requiring you to walk to unlock apps. Earn screen time with real steps, fostering healthier habits without deleting your favorite applications.

**Highlights:** Walk to earn screen time with step tracking, App blocker for social media and websites, Screen time control without relying on discipline, Live unlock timer, Lock Screen and Dynamic Island support, Save earned minutes, Daily streaks for consistency

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bastion Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Bastion Yearly | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is WhyNow free?

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

### Is Bastion free?

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

### Which has better reviews, WhyNow or Bastion?

WhyNow and Bastion are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do WhyNow or Bastion have ads?

Bastion shows ads; WhyNow does not.

### Which is updated more often, WhyNow or Bastion?

WhyNow ships an update every 9 days, and Bastion weekly. Most recently, WhyNow was updated on October 6, 2026 and Bastion on October 20, 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.*