Comparison

TimeBack vs DayHold

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

Head to head
About

TimeBack

Features
Read full description

Take your time back. TimeBack helps you cut screen time with real, enforceable blocks — not just gentle reminders. Built on Apple's Screen Time technology, it stays out of your way until the moment you need willpower most. BLOCK YOUR WAY • Daily Limits — give any app a per-day allowance; when it's spent, the app is blocked for the rest of the day • Forced Breaks — auto-pause after continuous use, so marathon sessions get a breather • Schedules — block apps during focus hours, dinner time or bedtime, on the weekdays you choose • Location Blocks — apps lock automatically when you arrive somewhere (library, office, classroom) • Your words on the wall — customize the block screen's title, message and buttons STAY HONEST • Face ID lock protects your settings • Optional guardian passcode — hand the key to someone you trust, so quitting is never one tap away • Prevent App Deletion — stops the impulsive "just delete the blocker" move (iOS applies this to all apps on the device while enabled) SEE PROGRESS • Today's usage and distraction counts at a glance • Weekly Review — a quiet Sunday summary of the time you took back PRIVATE BY DESIGN Everything stays on your device. No account, no analytics, no server. TimeBack asks for Screen Time permission to block apps — that is its only required permission. Location is requested only if you use Location Blocks. Built by an indie developer. If TimeBack helps you, you can buy me a coffee in Settings.

About

DayHold

This app helps you regain control of your digital life by tracking screen time, blocking distracting apps, and encouraging healthy habits. Features include step-based unlocking, location-based unlocking, and content filtering to protect users and families.

Highlights
  • Real-time screen time tracking
  • Smart focus mode with customizable templates
  • Step-based app unlocking
  • Location-based app unlocking
  • Content safety filtering
  • Data analysis and usage reports
  • Flexible time management and limits
Features
Read full description

DayHold — Your Smart Screen Time Manager In today's digital age, we spend countless hours staring at our phone screens. DayHold helps you regain control of your digital life, build healthy habits, and reclaim your valuable time and focus. 【Core Features】 1. Real-Time Screen Time Tracking Accurately track usage time for each app Intuitive circular charts showing today's usage Detailed statistics: pickups, notifications, first pickup time, and more View historical data by date 2. Smart Focus Mode One-tap blocking of distracting apps to boost productivity Customizable focus duration for different scenarios Multiple focus templates: Work, Study, Sleep, Fitness, and more Scheduled auto-activation of focus mode 3. Step Unlock Set a daily step goal — walk enough steps to unlock your blocked apps Turn movement into a reward, replacing mindless scrolling with healthy activity Perfect for building an exercise habit without giving up your phone entirely 4. Location Unlock Automatically unlock blocked apps when you arrive at a chosen place (home, office, etc.) Adjustable geofence radius (500m–5000m) to fit any scenario System-level monitoring keeps working even when the app is closed Make "no phone until you're home" a natural, effortless habit 5. Content Safety Filtering Intelligent filtering of inappropriate websites and content Protect yourself and your family from harmful information Custom allowlist and blocklist support Parental control mode to safeguard children's digital safety 6. Data Analysis Reports Daily/weekly usage trend analysis App usage rankings to see where your time goes Longest session duration alerts Smart suggestions to improve usage habits 7. Flexible Time Management Set daily app usage limits Overtime alerts to prevent overuse Break reminders for eye health Sleep mode to automatically restrict apps before bedtime 【Perfect For】 Professionals — Boost productivity, reduce mindless scrolling Students — Focus on studies, stay away from gaming distractions Parents — Manage children's screen time, protect their vision Self-improvers — Build healthy digital habits, achieve life balance 【Legal】 Privacy Policy: https://privacy-3l6.pages.dev/ Terms of Service: https://user-7tk.pages.dev/

Screenshots

TimeBack4 screens
DayHold4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TimeBack at none against DayHold's 3. TimeBack also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs weekly). DayHold's advantage is iOS requirement (16.6 vs 26.2). On price, 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. DayHold sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. TimeBack asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TimeBack ships an update every 3 days, DayHold weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
TimeBack versus DayHold: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTimeBackDayHold
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterWeekly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.216.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size32 MB28 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerthomas kiang柳 杨

In-app purchases

None

TimeBack

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

DayHold

Subscriptions2
  • monthly Pro$1.991 Month
  • Annual Pro$12.991 Year
One-time1
  • LifeTime Premium$24.99

Questions

Is TimeBack free?
TimeBack is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is DayHold free?
DayHold is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do TimeBack or DayHold have ads?
Neither TimeBack nor DayHold shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TimeBack or DayHold?
TimeBack ships an update every 3 days, and DayHold weekly. Most recently, TimeBack was updated on October 22, 2026 and DayHold on October 2, 2026.

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