# Narc vs DOTS

The clearest difference is ads: DOTS at none against Narc's shown. DOTS also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6). Narc's advantage is ratings volume (9 vs 2) and iOS requirement (18.0 vs 26.1). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Narc sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and DOTS sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

DOTS holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 2 respectively.

Narc ships an update every 4 days, DOTS every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Narc | DOTS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/narc-screen-time-controls/id6759991855/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dots-screen-time-and-focus/id6775587232/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **9** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 8 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 68 MB | 53 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.0** | 26.1 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Silt Labs Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1882163386) | [Novarch LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6773573492) |

## What reviewers say

### Narc

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/narc-screen-time-controls/id6759991855)

This app helps you manage screen time by creating accountability with trusted friends or family. Set limits on apps and websites, and send requests for unlocks when you need access, turning digital discipline into a shared effort.

**Highlights:** Block apps, sites, and categories, Scheduled and on-demand lock-in, Send unlock requests for approval, Track streaks and time saved, Invite trusted people to your Court

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Snitch Pro | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Snitch Pro | $29.99 | per year |


### DOTS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dots-screen-time-and-focus/id6775587232)

Visualize your finite time and protect it from distractions. Set daily app limits, schedule downtime, and track reclaimed hours to live more intentionally. Features include a life grid, focus mode, and weekly reflections.

**Highlights:** Life grid visualization, Focus mode to block distractions, Daily app time limits, Scheduled downtime, Weekly reflections, Time reclaimed tracking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Narc free?

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

### Is DOTS free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Narc or DOTS?

DOTS is rated higher. Narc averages 4.6 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while DOTS averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Narc or DOTS have ads?

Narc shows ads; DOTS does not.

### Which is updated more often, Narc or DOTS?

Narc ships an update every 4 days, and DOTS every 8 days. Most recently, Narc was updated on October 19, 2026 and DOTS on October 24, 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.*