Comparison

FocusFirst Screen Time Control vs Butsu

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

Head to head
About

FocusFirst Screen Time Control

This app helps you reclaim your time by blocking distracting applications and encouraging focused activity. It's designed to foster a more deliberate relationship with your phone, reducing mindless scrolling and guilt while building momentum towards your goals.

Highlights
  • Block distracting apps
  • Earn screen time through focused activity
  • Build healthy boundaries
  • Reduce mindless scrolling
  • Increase momentum towards goals
  • Promotes deliberate phone use
Features
Read full description

Take back control of your time. FocusFirst helps you spend less time scrolling and more time on the things that actually move your life forward. Whether you’re studying, building a business, learning a language, reading, exercising, or simply trying to be more intentional with your day, FocusFirst gives you a better way to protect your attention. Most apps compete for your focus. FocusFirst helps you reclaim it. Instead of relying on willpower alone, FocusFirst helps you build healthy boundaries around the apps that pull you off course. Block the distractions that interrupt your momentum, focus on something meaningful, and earn time back as you make progress. It’s a simple idea, but it changes the feeling of using your phone: - less mindless checking - less guilt - less friction when you want to stay on track - more momentum toward the work, habits, and routines you care about FocusFirst is built for people who want a calmer, more deliberate relationship with their phone. Not punishment. Not shame. Just a clearer way to stay aligned with your priorities. Focus first. Scroll later. FocusFirst is free to download, but a subscription is required to use the app. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Butsu

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Block apps automatically with location based blocking+strict screen time limits Reclaim your focus, reduce your screen time, and take back control of your day with Butsu. Whether you are studying for finals, trying to stay productive at work, or simply want to break your doom-scrolling habit, Butsu is the ultimate tool to block distractions before they happen. Unlike basic screen time apps that just give you a warning, Butsu completely physically blocks you from opening distracting apps, ensuring you stay focused on what actually matters. With powerful scheduling and location-based rules, you can create the perfect environment for deep work. Core Features: Strict App Blocking Block your worst digital habits instantly. Create custom groups of distracting apps (like social media or games) and lock them down indefinitely, or set a temporary timer when you need to sit down and focus. Location Geofencing Automatically block apps based on where you are! Set up a location boundary so your phone automatically locks down social media as soon as you arrive at the office, the library, or school. Beautiful Statistics & Heatmaps Track your progress with gorgeous daily and weekly statistics. Use the daily heatmap to see exactly when your screen time spikes, and track your performance against your daily screen time goals. 100% Offline & Privacy First Your habits are your business. Butsu requires no account, no login, and works entirely offline. All of your app usage statistics, location boundaries, and blocking rules are stored securely in an encrypted database directly on your phone. We do not track you or sell your data. Take the first step toward a healthier relationship with your phone. Download Butsu and start building better habits today!

Screenshots

FocusFirst Screen Time Control4 screens
Butsu4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Butsu at 16.4 against FocusFirst Screen Time Control's 26.1. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. FocusFirst Screen Time Control sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month and Butsu sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
FocusFirst Screen Time Control versus Butsu: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFocusFirst Screen Time ControlButsu
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationSubscription—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.116.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size34 MB61 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMichael RiehlAndrea Quan

In-app purchases

3 purchases

FocusFirst Screen Time Control

Subscriptions3
  • Focus First | Monthly7 Days trial$8.991 Month
  • Focus First | Yearly1 Month trial$39.991 Year
  • Focus First | Yearly7 Days trial$49.991 Year
1 purchases

Butsu

One-time1
  • Butsu Lifetime Premium$9.99

Questions

Is FocusFirst Screen Time Control free?
FocusFirst Screen Time Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Butsu free?
Butsu is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do FocusFirst Screen Time Control or Butsu have ads?
Neither FocusFirst Screen Time Control nor Butsu shows ads.
Which is updated more often, FocusFirst Screen Time Control or Butsu?
FocusFirst Screen Time Control ships an update every 2 weeks, and Butsu every 2 weeks. Most recently, FocusFirst Screen Time Control was updated on October 6, 2026 and Butsu on October 7, 2026.

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