# Gentle Start vs Deny

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Deny at none against Gentle Start's 1. Gentle Start's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Gentle Start sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Deny asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Gentle Start against 5.0 for Deny. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Gentle Start | Deny |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gentle-start-focus-timer/id6767757117/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/deny-screen-time-lock/id6773738211/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 days | — |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 46 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [JOHNNY LI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1778905380) | [StepAI K.K.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1891787914) |

## What reviewers say

### Gentle Start

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gentle-start-focus-timer/id6767757117)

This app provides a simple, one-tap timer to help overcome procrastination. It focuses on the act of starting, counting up from zero without pressure or goals. Designed for those who struggle with initiating tasks, it offers a calm experience with visual themes and ambient sounds.

**Highlights:** One-tap timer start, Upward counting timer, Living themes with animations, Ambient soundscapes, Live Activities integration, No streaks or goals

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gentle Start Premium | $4.99 | one-time |


### Deny

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/deny-screen-time-lock/id6773738211)

This app helps you regain focus by blocking distracting applications. It requires a friend's approval to unlock apps, fostering accountability and making screen time limits stick. Take back your attention with a collaborative approach to digital well-being.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps and sites, Schedule app blocking, Daily time limits for apps, Friend approval required for unlocks, Temporary unlock with countdown, Collaborative progress tracking

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Gentle Start free?

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

### Is Deny free?

Deny is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Gentle Start or Deny?

Gentle Start and Deny are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Gentle Start or Deny have ads?

Neither Gentle Start nor Deny shows ads.

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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.*