# WhyNow vs FocusFirst Screen Time Control

The clearest difference is monetization model: WhyNow at freemium against FocusFirst Screen Time Control's subscription. WhyNow also leads on iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.1). 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 FocusFirst Screen Time Control sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 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 FocusFirst Screen Time Control. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

WhyNow ships an update every 9 days, FocusFirst Screen Time Control every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | WhyNow | FocusFirst Screen Time Control |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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/focusfirst-screen-time-control/id6774385126/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | **Freemium** | Subscription |
| Size | 108 MB | 34 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.6** | 26.1 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Taseen Tanvir](https://appshunter.io/developer/1876638120) | [Michael Riehl](https://appshunter.io/developer/1861093934) |

## 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 |


### FocusFirst Screen Time Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusfirst-screen-time-control/id6774385126)

This app helps you reclaim your time by blocking distracting applications and encouraging focused activity. It's designed to foster a more deliberate relationship with your phone, reducing mindless scrolling and guilt while building momentum towards your goals.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps, Earn screen time through focused activity, Build healthy boundaries, Reduce mindless scrolling, Increase momentum towards goals, Promotes deliberate phone use

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Focus First \| Monthly | $8.99 | per month |
| Focus First \| Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Focus First \| Yearly | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is WhyNow free?

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

### Is FocusFirst Screen Time Control free?

FocusFirst Screen Time Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, WhyNow or FocusFirst Screen Time Control?

WhyNow and FocusFirst Screen Time Control are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do WhyNow or FocusFirst Screen Time Control have ads?

Neither WhyNow nor FocusFirst Screen Time Control shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, WhyNow or FocusFirst Screen Time Control?

WhyNow ships an update every 9 days, and FocusFirst Screen Time Control every 2 weeks. Most recently, WhyNow was updated on October 6, 2026 and FocusFirst Screen Time Control on October 6, 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.*