Comparison

Sentence vs tocnz

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

Head to head
About

Sentence

This app introduces a unique approach to screen time management by requiring users to handwrite and scan a sentence to unlock blocked applications. It aims to create a deliberate pause between impulse and action, offering a robust system for managing digital distractions.

Highlights
  • Handwritten sentence scanning for app unlock
  • Block specific apps or categories
  • Customizable time-based schedules
  • Multiple block group configurations
  • Zen Mode to prevent app deletion
  • Choice of sentence prompts (enquiry, affirmation, literature, roasting, custom)
Features
Read full description

Most screen time apps are easy to dismiss. A tap. A passcode you set yourself. An exception you grant in three seconds. You already know this. You've tried them all. Sentence works differently. To unlock a blocked app, you write a sentence by hand — on paper — and scan it with your camera. Every time. No bypass. No exceptions. No "ignore for today." That moment of friction is the whole point. Most of the time, it's enough to make you put the phone down. HOW IT WORKS 1. Block any app or category — social media, streaming, games, news, anything. 2. Set your schedule — always on, a specific time window or a particular limit. 3. When you try to open a blocked app, you see a screen. Tap "Write Sentence." Sentence opens. 4. Write the sentence on paper. Hold it up. Scan it. The block lifts — for that session. 5. Tomorrow, you write it again. THE RITUAL Choose what you write each time you unlock: · Enquiry — why are you reaching for your phone right now? Answer honestly. · Affirmations — reinforce the person you're trying to become. · Literature — Seneca. Thoreau. Orwell. One line that reframes the moment. · Roasting — brutal honesty about what you're about to do with the next hour. · Custom — write your own sentence. Your commitment, your words. BLOCK ON YOUR TERMS · Block specific apps or entire categories · Time-based schedules — morning, night, all day, specific windows · Multiple block groups with different schedules and sentence types · Zen Mode — prevents deleting apps from your phone. Requires handwriting to disable. WHO SENTENCE IS FOR You've set screen time limits. You turned them off. You've tried grayscale mode. You adapted in a week. You've deleted the apps. You reinstalled them. You've tried willpower. It wasn't enough. Sentence isn't about willpower. It's about friction — a deliberate pause inserted between the impulse and the action. One sentence, written by hand, changes the calculus entirely. This is for people who are done with tricks that don't work. Access to Sentence features requires a paid subscription. Options include Monthly and Annual (with free trial). Manage or cancel anytime in your Apple ID settings. Terms of Use : https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

tocnz

Read full description

tocnz helps you flip quickly from distraction to focus. - Start a focus session with one flip. - Set clear work intervals and stay on track. - Track progress over days and weeks. - Review sessions and improve your focus rhythm. Built for people who want simple structure, minimal friction, and better daily concentration. Focus mode keeps your workflow organized so you can start now, stay present, and finish with less switching. ------------ Subscription note: tocnz Pro is an optional auto-renewing subscription available with monthly and annual plans.Subscriptions auto-renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before renewal in Apple ID > Subscriptions. Pricing, free trial options, and tax details are shown before purchase. You can cancel anytime. Terms of Use: https://www.ningdom.com/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://www.ningdom.com/privacy.html

Screenshots

Sentence4 screens
tocnz4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Sentence at every 8 days against tocnz's every 4 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Sentence sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days and tocnz sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Sentence ships an update every 8 days, tocnz every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Sentence versus tocnz: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSentencetocnz
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (10 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews60.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings10 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 8 days — betterEvery 4 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationSubscription—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS18.017.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDaksh KaushikBeijing Ningdom Technology Co., Ltd.

In-app purchases

5 purchases

Sentence

Subscriptions4
  • Weekly Premium$1.997 Days
  • Monthly Premium$4.991 Month
  • Annual Premum7 Days trial$9.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Annual Premium7 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Premium$34.99
2 purchases

tocnz

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly$1.991 Month
  • Yearly$12.991 Year

Questions

Is Sentence free?
Sentence is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is tocnz free?
tocnz is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Sentence or tocnz have ads?
Neither Sentence nor tocnz shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Sentence or tocnz?
Sentence ships an update every 8 days, and tocnz every 4 weeks. Most recently, Sentence was updated on October 23, 2026 and tocnz on October 10, 2026.

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