FocusFirst Screen Time Control vs pause now
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Block distracting apps
- Earn screen time through focused activity
- Build healthy boundaries
- Reduce mindless scrolling
- Increase momentum towards goals
- Promotes deliberate phone use
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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/
pause now
Regain control of your digital life by blocking distracting applications. Schedule automatic blocking for work or study, or initiate manual sessions. Earn rewards for focused time and watch your productivity improve.
- Block distracting apps
- Customizable schedules
- Manual blocking sessions
- Earn stars for focus
- Flexible controls
- Simple setup
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pause now helps you take back control of your screen time by blocking distracting apps so you can focus on what matters most. BLOCK DISTRACTING APPS Set up schedules to automatically block apps during work, study, or bedtime. Or start a manual blocking session whenever you need to focus. STAY ON TRACK Earn stars for every minute you stay focused. Watch your productivity grow day by day. FLEXIBLE CONTROLS - Block specific apps or all apps at once - Set custom schedules for any time of day - Take short breaks without losing your session - Pause schedules when you need flexibility SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE No complicated setup. Just block, focus, and earn rewards for staying on task. Start your 7-day free trial today! Upcoming Features - Open-Limit blocking ---------------- Terms of Service: https://eaglenguyen.github.io/pausenow-legal/terms_of_service Privacy Policy: https://eaglenguyen.github.io/pausenow-legal/privacy_policy
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is monetization model: pause now at freemium against FocusFirst Screen Time Control's subscription. pause now also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 2 weeks) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 26.1). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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
Both are free to download. FocusFirst Screen Time Control sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month and pause now sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 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 — 5.0 for FocusFirst Screen Time Control against 5.0 for pause now. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.
FocusFirst Screen Time Control ships an update every 2 weeks, pause now every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | FocusFirst Screen Time Control | pause now |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 6 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Subscription | Freemium — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 26.1 | 15.6 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 34 MB | 73 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Michael Riehl | Eagle Nguyen |
Customer experience
FocusFirst Screen Time Control
pause now
In-app purchases
FocusFirst Screen Time Control
- Focus First | Monthly7 Days trial$8.991 Month
- Focus First | Yearly1 Month trial$39.991 Year
- Focus First | Yearly7 Days trial$49.991 Year
pause now
- pause now Premium Monthly7 Days trial$3.991 Month
- pause now Pro — Annual7 Days trial$19.991 Year
- pause now Premium — Lifetime$90.00
Questions
Is FocusFirst Screen Time Control free?
Is pause now free?
Which has better reviews, FocusFirst Screen Time Control or pause now?
Do FocusFirst Screen Time Control or pause now have ads?
Which is updated more often, FocusFirst Screen Time Control or pause now?
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