Cala vs Don't Scroll
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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
Don't Scroll
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Ever gone to bed intending to sleep, only to realize it's 2 a.m. and you're still scrolling? Don't Scroll helps you stop doomscrolling before bed—without relying on willpower alone. Choose the apps that keep you awake. Set a lock schedule, and they'll be blocked automatically when it's time to wind down. Unlike a typical app blocker, Don't Scroll doesn't stop at "no." When you try to open a blocked app, you can take a three-minute pause with calming sounds. Sometimes that small interruption is enough to break the scroll and put the phone down. WHEN WILLPOWER ISN'T ENOUGH Every app blocker has the same weak point: you can turn it off. Late at night, that can be all too easy. Power Lock closes that loophole. Give the unlock code to someone you trust—a partner, friend, or family member. They receive it by email, and from then on, they hold the key—not you. If you force an override, they'll be notified. Scroll less. Sleep more. HOW IT WORKS • Choose the apps that keep you awake • Set your lock schedule • When you reach for a blocked app, take a three-minute pause or call it a night FEATURES • Automatic bedtime app blocking • Calming sleep sounds • Purpose-based locks for delivery apps, work distractions, and more • Nightly reports, patterns, and streaks DON'T SCROLL PLUS • Power Lock—let someone you trust hold the unlock code • Nightly pattern insights—see when you're most likely to reach for blocked apps • Premium sleep sounds—waves, airplane cabin, and pink noise • Streak protection for the occasional off night • Multiple lock schedules and unlimited app selection • PIN-protected settings • Ad-free experience Your selected apps, usage data, and sleep history stay on your device. We can't see which apps you choose. If you enable Power Lock, the email address of the person you choose is sent to our server only to deliver the unlock code and the alerts you enable. Monthly and yearly plans are available. Cancel anytime. —— Don't Scroll Plus is an auto-renewing subscription. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. Your subscription renews automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel your subscription anytime in Settings. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://jyminter.github.io/privacy-policy
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: Cala at none against Don't Scroll's shown. Cala also leads on iOS requirement (18.0 vs 26.0). Don't Scroll's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 4 months). On price, 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. Cala sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and Don't Scroll sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Cala ships an update every 4 months, Don't Scroll every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Cala | Don't Scroll |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 4 days — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 — better | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 31 MB | 29 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Spark Digital Incorporated | YUMI JUNG |
In-app purchases
Cala
- Cala Pro — Monthly7 Days trial$7.991 Month
- Cala Pro — Yearly7 Days trial$59.991 Year
Don't Scroll
- Don't Scroll Plus$3.991 Month
- Don't Scroll Plus$24.991 Year









