# Normal vs SlowPebble

The clearest difference is monetization model: Normal at free against SlowPebble's free with in-app purchases. Normal also leads on ratings volume (44 vs 3). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Normal sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $5.00 per month and SlowPebble sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Normal against 5.0 for SlowPebble. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Normal has 44 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Normal ships an update every 2 days, SlowPebble every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Normal | SlowPebble |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (44 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/normal-screen-time-control/id6768861415/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/slowpebble-ai-website-blocker/id6801404722/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **44** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Every 3 days |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Normal Engineering Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896611331) | [Tarek Sebaihi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1882907244) |

## What reviewers say

### Normal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/normal-screen-time-control/id6768861415)

This app helps you reduce phone usage by blocking selected applications by default. To access blocked apps, you must physically scan an NFC tag, QR code, or barcode, or be at a specific location. It offers granular control, timed unblocks, and scheduling to help you regain control of your screen time.

**Highlights:** Block apps via NFC, QR codes, and barcodes, Use any NFC tag, QR code, or barcode, Unblock/block specific apps, Timed unblocks, Scheduling, Granular control, Bypass prevention options

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Support | $5.00 | per month |
| Monthly Support | $10.00 | per month |
| Monthly Support | $20.00 | per month |
| One-time Donation | $5.00 | one-time |
| One-time Donation | $10.00 | one-time |
| One-time Donation | $20.00 | one-time |
| One-time Donation | $50.00 | one-time |
| One-time Donation | $100.00 | one-time |
| One-time Donation | $200.00 | one-time |


### SlowPebble

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/slowpebble-ai-website-blocker/id6801404722)

This app blocks distracting websites and apps by default, requiring you to actively request access. It uses AI to manage unlock requests and tracks your usage patterns to help you build better habits. Turning off the blocker takes 24 hours, encouraging sustained focus.

**Highlights:** Opt-in blocking of websites and apps, AI-powered unlock requests, Customizable blocking lists, Usage pattern tracking, 24-hour delay to disable, Safe Search integration

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| iPhone | $8.99 | per month |
| Mac and iPhone | $13.99 | per month |
| iPhone | $59.99 | per year |
| Mac and iPhone | $89.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $199.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Normal free?

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

### Is SlowPebble free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Normal or SlowPebble?

SlowPebble is rated higher. Normal averages 4.9 out of 5 from 44 ratings, while SlowPebble averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Normal or SlowPebble have ads?

Neither Normal nor SlowPebble shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Normal or SlowPebble?

Normal ships an update every 2 days, and SlowPebble every 3 days. Most recently, Normal was updated on November 5, 2026 and SlowPebble on October 31, 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.*