Comparison

WhyNow vs Tomato

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

Tomato

Features
Read full description

Spend less time scrolling and more time living. Tomato is a screen time and focus app that helps you cut distractions, build better habits, and stay in control of your day. Choose the apps that distract you, set a daily limit, schedule times when you want them blocked, or start a Focus Timer when you need to lock in. As your screen time increases, your tomato changes, giving you a simple visual reminder to step away and use your time more intentionally. FEATURES • Block distracting apps • Set a daily screen time limit • Schedule blocking times • Use the Focus Timer for distraction-free sessions • Track your progress over time • See which selected apps use the most time • Build healthier habits with simple check-ins • Stay motivated with your visual tomato companion Whether you’re studying, working, reading, or just trying to spend less time on your phone, Tomato gives you simple tools to stay focused and make your time count. Tomato uses Apple’s Screen Time tools to help you manage selected apps while keeping your activity private. Some features require a Tomato Premium subscription. Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscription in your Apple ID settings. Privacy Policy: [https://sites.google.com/view/tomato-screen-time-privacy/home](https://sites.google.com/view/tomato-screen-time-privacy/home) Terms of Use: [https://sites.google.com/view/tomato-screen-time-terms/home](https://sites.google.com/view/tomato-screen-time-terms/home)

Screenshots

WhyNow4 screens
Tomato4 screens

Verdict

The call

WhyNow and Tomato are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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 and Tomato sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

WhyNow ships an update every 9 days, Tomato every 10 days. Both last shipped on October 28, 2026.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
WhyNow versus Tomato: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWhyNowTomato
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 9 days — betterEvery 10 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size108 MB17 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTaseen TanvirGalton Ma

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
2 purchases

Tomato

Subscriptions2
  • Tomato Premium Weekly$5.997 Days
  • Tomato Premium Yearly3 Days trial$49.991 Year

Questions

Is WhyNow free?
WhyNow is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Tomato free?
Tomato is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do WhyNow or Tomato have ads?
Neither WhyNow nor Tomato shows ads.
Which is updated more often, WhyNow or Tomato?
WhyNow ships an update every 9 days, and Tomato every 10 days. Most recently, WhyNow was updated on October 28, 2026 and Tomato on October 28, 2026.

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