# Cortex vs LessScroll

The clearest difference is ads: LessScroll at none against Cortex's shown. LessScroll also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Cortex's advantage is ratings volume (9 vs 1). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cortex sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and LessScroll sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Cortex against 5.0 for LessScroll. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cortex has 9 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cortex | LessScroll |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cortex-less-phone-more-life/id6760275313/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lessscroll/id6760659658/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **9** | 1 |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days | Every 4 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 133 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [valentino marchesini](https://appshunter.io/developer/1883584552) | [Yohanan Negash](https://appshunter.io/developer/1885572283) |

## What reviewers say

### Cortex

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cortex-less-phone-more-life/id6760275313)

This app intercepts reflexive app openings, providing a brief pause and a choice to stop or continue. It helps users build real control over their attention, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and track progress in breaking mindless scrolling habits.

**Highlights:** Intercepts reflexive app taps, Provides a short pause before opening apps, Offers a clear choice to stop or continue, Helps recognize and break scrolling patterns, Tracks self-intervention progress, Reduces anxiety and improves sleep

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cortex Pro - Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Cortex Pro - Semanal | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Cortex Pro Annual (3-Day Trial) | $39.99 | per year |
| Cortex Pro Annual | $39.99 | per year |
| Cortex Pro Annual (30-Day Trial) | $39.99 | per year |
| Cortex Pro Annual (25% Off) | $39.99 | per year |
| Cortex Pro - Lifetime | $79.99 | one-time |


### LessScroll

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lessscroll/id6760659658)

This app helps you reduce screen time by blocking distracting applications during focused work or study sessions. You can set timers, choose specific apps to block, and track your progress with achievements and streaks. All data remains on your device for privacy.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps, Set custom session timers, Predefined session presets, Track reclaimed hours, Daily streaks and achievements, Privacy-focused data handling

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Yearly 50% | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cortex free?

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

### Is LessScroll free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Cortex or LessScroll?

Cortex and LessScroll are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 9 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Cortex or LessScroll have ads?

Cortex shows ads; LessScroll does not.

### Which is updated more often, Cortex or LessScroll?

Cortex ships an update every 4 days, and LessScroll every 4 days. Most recently, Cortex was updated on October 5, 2026 and LessScroll on October 7, 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.*