reason vs Cala
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
reason
This app helps you regain control over your screen time by requiring you to state a reason and set a time limit before accessing distracting applications. It introduces a moment of friction to discourage mindless app usage and reduce overall phone engagement.
- App blocking
- Reason-based access
- Time limits
- Reduces screen addiction
- Discourages mindless usage
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Choose which apps are a problem for you and Reason will block them. When you want to use them, you'll have to enter a reason and set yourself a time limit. Often you'll just close these apps instead of entering a reason, but even if you don't, your open app will be blocked once your time limit runs out. If you're struggling with screen addiction, this app is for you. If you find yourself opening apps for no apparent reason, we're on the case. If you open messages from friends and then get stuck doomscrolling, we've got you covered. It's a small moment of friction, but by pausing and stating your reason for opening distracting apps, you'll find yourself spending less time glued to your phone. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula
Cala
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You pick up your phone for "just a second" — and 45 minutes disappear. Cala stops that cycle with real app blocking and a ten-second breath that turns impulse into intention. When you open a blocked app, Cala holds a shield. You breathe, then choose how long you need — 5, 15, or 30 minutes. When time's up, the app locks itself again. You decided in advance, so the moment doesn't get a vote. WHAT CALA DOES • Blocks any app or website with Apple's Screen Time shields — real blocking, not reminders • No Shortcuts to wire up and no workarounds to maintain — grant Screen Time access once and you're protected • Protects on your schedule: work hours, evenings, overnight, or all day • A short breathing exercise before every unlock — a pause, not a punishment • Timed access that re-locks automatically when you're done • Three strictness levels — Standard, Strict, and Locked. As firm as you need. • Habits and tasks live inside your protected hours, so the shield offers a better option, not just a wall • A Focus Score that measures the time you protected and the wins you stacked — not your failures • A weekly review of your wins, ready every Monday AS FIRM AS YOU NEED Standard asks for a calm ten-second breath before each unlock. Strict makes each unlock cost a little more. Locked holds the line completely — with a once-a-day emergency pass, because life happens. PRIVATE BY DESIGN Cala never sees which apps you open or for how long. Apple's Screen Time design keeps that on your device, and we like it that way. FREE TO START One schedule, unlimited blocked apps, two habits, your Focus Score, and the full breathing unlock — free. Cala Pro adds unlimited schedules and habits, Strict and Locked levels, and your complete history. Your phone, your rules. Cala keeps them. Terms of Use: https://heycala.com/terms
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: reason at every 10 days against Cala's every 2 months. Cala's advantage is iOS requirement (18.0 vs 26.0). 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
Both are free to download. reason sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and Cala sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
reason ships an update every 10 days, Cala every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 28, 2026.
| Parameter | reason | Cala |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 1.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 18.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 6 MB | 26 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Thomas Woodruff | Spark Digital Incorporated |
In-app purchases
reason
- Reason Premium3 Days trial$5.991 Month
- Reason Premium7 Days trial$39.991 Year
Cala
- Cala Pro — Monthly7 Days trial$7.991 Month
- Cala Pro — Yearly7 Days trial$59.991 Year









