Comparison

WhyNow vs Svala

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

Head to head
About

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.

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
Read full description

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

About

Svala

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Take back control of your screen time—without giving up the apps you enjoy. Svala is a calm, flexible app blocker that helps you use distracting apps and websites more intentionally. Choose what you want to limit, set a daily allowance for each day of the week, and let Svala step in when your time is up. When you reach a limit, Svala shows a clear shield that interrupts automatic scrolling. You can close the app and move on, or make a deliberate choice to unlock a little more time with a quick challenge. WHY SVALA? • Set daily limits for selected apps and websites • Choose different allowances for different days • Block distractions automatically when a limit is reached • Unlock optional extra time with quick challenges • Use an emergency unlock when you really need access • Keep your limits and Screen Time selections on your device BUILT FOR BETTER SCREEN HABITS Svala adds a small, intentional pause between impulse and action. That moment of friction can help you scroll less, avoid automatic app opens, and build healthier habits—without complicated routines or rigid focus sessions. PRIVATE BY DESIGN Svala does not collect, track, or sell your personal data. Your limits and Screen Time selections stay on your device. There are no ads, subscriptions or accounts. HOW IT WORKS Svala uses Apple’s Screen Time technologies to monitor the apps and websites you select and display a shield when a daily limit is reached. Screen Time authorization is required for these features. Your time. Your limits. Your choice.

Screenshots

WhyNow4 screens
Svala4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Svala at none against WhyNow's 3. WhyNow's advantage is iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence, ads 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. WhyNow sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Svala asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

WhyNow ships an update every 9 days, Svala weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
WhyNow versus Svala: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWhyNowSvala
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 9 daysWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.6 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size108 MB9 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTaseen TanvirSebastian Kalita

In-app purchases

3 purchases

WhyNow

Subscriptions3
  • WhyNow Monthly$9.991 Month
  • WhyNow Annual Save Offer$39.991 Year
  • WhyNow Annual7 Days trial$59.991 Year
None

Svala

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is WhyNow free?
WhyNow is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Svala free?
Svala is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do WhyNow or Svala have ads?
Neither WhyNow nor Svala shows ads.
Which is updated more often, WhyNow or Svala?
WhyNow ships an update every 9 days, and Svala weekly. Most recently, WhyNow was updated on October 6, 2026 and Svala on October 25, 2026.

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