Svala vs App Screen Time Lock
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
Svala
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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 β’ Individual limits: Give an app or website a daily allowance. Set different allowances for different days of the week. β’ Group limits: Share one daily allowance across several apps or websites. For example, set aside 30 minutes for all your social apps combined. β’ 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 Appleβs 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
App Screen Time Lock
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App Screen Time Lock helps you set clear daily boundaries for distracting apps. Choose the apps you want to control, give each one its own allowance, and the app applies a Screen Time shield after that allowance is used. Use it to: - Set separate daily limits for social, video, games, and other distracting apps - Enable Strict Lock to reduce impulsive changes after limits are active - Add a Guardian Code for an extra accountability step on sensitive changes - Set a local accountability partner name for shareable unlock requests - Share unlock request messages through the iOS share sheet when you need help deciding - Use limited Break Passes for short, intentional pauses without deleting your setup - Review and share a local event log for lock, pass, and settings changes - Keep useful apps available while only blocking the apps you selected The app uses Apple's Screen Time frameworks. Selected apps are handled as Apple-protected tokens, and your limit settings, Guardian Code data, accountability settings, break-pass state, and event logs are stored locally on your device.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: App Screen Time Lock at none against Svala's 1. App Screen Time Lock also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 11 days) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Svala sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $5.99 per year. App Screen Time Lock asks for nothing beyond the download.
Svala ships an update every 11 days, App Screen Time Lock every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Svala | App Screen Time Lock |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 11 days | Every 4 days β better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No β better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 16.0 β better |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 11 MB | 1 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Sebastian Kalita | KRISHNA PINNAMANENI |
In-app purchases
Svala
- Svala Annual14 Days trial$5.991 Year
App Screen Time Lock
No in-app purchases









