# StudyIn vs Recess

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: StudyIn at none against Recess's 2. Recess's advantage is ratings volume (8 vs 1). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Recess sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month. StudyIn asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for StudyIn against 4.9 for Recess. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Recess has 8 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

StudyIn ships an update every 3 weeks, Recess every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | StudyIn | Recess |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/studyin-satact-app-blocker/id6770413505/reviews)** | [4.9 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/recess-study-then-scroll/id6777757202/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **8** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 30 MB | 24 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pierce Duffy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896741007) | [THOMAS JOHN GIRGASH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896528302) |

## What reviewers say

### StudyIn

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/studyin-satact-app-blocker/id6770413505)

This app helps students prepare for standardized tests by blocking distracting applications. Users answer exam-specific questions to earn back screen time, reinforcing learning through retrieval practice and adaptive difficulty.

**Highlights:** App blocking for distracting applications, Exam-specific practice questions, Adaptive difficulty levels, Mastery tracking for study topics, Study and casual modes, Exam countdown and session history

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Recess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/recess-study-then-scroll/id6777757202)

This app uses your study materials to create flashcards and quizzes, blocking distracting apps until you complete them. Earn your scroll time by answering questions and building study streaks. It's designed to turn idle phone usage into productive learning sessions.

**Highlights:** AI flashcard generation from notes, PDFs, and slides, Study gate to block distracting apps, Quiz Me and Practice Test modes, Daily study goals and streaks, Exam ramp with test date reminders, Spaced repetition scheduling, Web companion for computer uploads

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Recess Pro Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Recess Pro Yearly | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StudyIn free?

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

### Is Recess free?

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

### Which has better reviews, StudyIn or Recess?

StudyIn is rated higher. StudyIn averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Recess averages 4.9 from 8 ratings.

### Do StudyIn or Recess have ads?

Neither StudyIn nor Recess shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StudyIn or Recess?

StudyIn ships an update every 3 weeks, and Recess every 10 days. Most recently, StudyIn was updated on October 10, 2026 and Recess on October 17, 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.*