Comparison

Svala vs Deny

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Svala

Read full description

Set daily limits for distracting apps and websites, block them at the times you choose, and pause before deciding whether you want more time. Svala is an app blocker for more intentional screen time. Daily limits, scheduled blocks, and temporary unlocks require Svala Annual, a paid subscription. LIMITS THAT FIT YOUR DAY • Individual limits: Give an app or website a daily allowance. Set different allowances for different days of the week. • Group limits: Share one daily allowance across several apps or websites. For example, set aside 30 minutes for all your social apps combined. • Scheduled blocks: Choose which apps and websites to block, on which days, and at what times. Keep distractions out of your workday, study time, or bedtime routine. PAUSE BEFORE YOU UNLOCK When a limit is reached or a scheduled block is active, Svala shows a blocking screen. You can step away, or choose to unlock a little more time with a math, typing, or memory challenge, or a guided Eye Break. Choose how much extra time a challenge grants and how many challenge unlocks you can use each day. A brief emergency unlock is also available when you need access quickly. PRIVATE BY DESIGN Your limits, schedules, and Screen Time selections stay on your device. No ads, no tracking, and no Svala account required. Svala uses Apple’s Screen Time technology and needs your permission to apply your rules. SVALA ANNUAL Eligible subscribers can start with a 14-day free trial. Svala Annual is billed when the trial ends and renews yearly unless canceled. To avoid being charged after the trial, cancel at least 24 hours before it ends. Manage or cancel your subscription in your App Store subscription settings. Privacy Policy: https://getsvala.app/privacy Terms of Use: https://getsvala.app/terms

About

Deny

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
Read full description

Deny locks the apps that waste your time — and puts a friend in charge of the key. Most screen-time apps fail for one reason: the moment you want back in, you just tap "ignore limit." Deny removes that escape hatch. Block your most distracting apps, and when you want to unlock them, you have to ask a friend to approve it. HOW IT WORKS • Build block groups — pick the apps and sites to lock, on a schedule or a daily time limit. • Stay locked. Blocked apps are shielded by iOS, so there's no sneaking past them. • Allow temporary unlocks — give yourself a set number of minutes, with a live countdown showing exactly when apps re-lock. • Bring in friends. Connect with an invite code, then ask a friend for screen time. They approve or deny — you stay accountable. • See each other's progress and keep one another honest. WHY DENY • Friends make it stick. Accountability beats willpower. • Honest by design — no one-tap "ignore." • Private. Your data is yours; we never sell it or use it for ads. Deny uses Apple's Screen Time (Family Controls) features to block apps on your own device. Take back your attention — together.

Screenshots

Svala4 screens
Deny4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Deny at none against Svala's 1. Deny also leads on iOS requirement (18.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Svala sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $5.99 per year. Deny asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Svala versus Deny: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSvalaDeny
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 11 days—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS26.018.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB15 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSebastian KalitaStepAI K.K.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Svala

Subscriptions1
  • Svala Annual14 Days trial$5.991 Year
None

Deny

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Svala free?
Svala is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Deny free?
Deny is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Svala or Deny have ads?
Neither Svala nor Deny shows ads.

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