# Normal vs 1bit

The clearest difference is monetization model: Normal at free against 1bit's free with in-app purchases. Normal also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs weekly) and ratings volume (43 vs 6). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Normal sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $5.00 per month and 1bit sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. 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 4.8 for 1bit. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Normal has 43 ratings behind it against 6, 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, 1bit weekly. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Normal | 1bit |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/normal-screen-time-control/id6768861415/reviews)** | [4.8 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/1bit-minimalist-home-screen/id6806023908/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **43** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Normal Engineering Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896611331) | [Nicholas Counts](https://appshunter.io/developer/1847442817) |

## 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 |


### 1bit

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/1bit-minimalist-home-screen/id6806023908)

Experience a minimalist, retro phone interface designed for digital detox. Enjoy a distraction-free environment with features like a simple music player, ad-free browsing, and classic games. Keep essential apps accessible while reclaiming your focus.

**Highlights:** Retro 1-bit interface, Distraction-free browsing, Minimalist music player, Classic games included, RSS news reader, Simple camera and maps

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1bit: Complete Lifetime Unlock | $14.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Normal free?

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

### Is 1bit free?

1bit is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Normal or 1bit?

Normal is rated higher. Normal averages 4.9 out of 5 from 43 ratings, while 1bit averages 4.8 from 6 ratings.

### Do Normal or 1bit have ads?

Neither Normal nor 1bit shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Normal or 1bit?

Normal ships an update every 2 days, and 1bit weekly. Most recently, Normal was updated on November 1, 2026 and 1bit on November 1, 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.*