# FocusFirst Screen Time Control vs pause now

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | FocusFirst Screen Time Control | pause now |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusfirst-screen-time-control/id6774385126/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pause-now-screen-time-control/id6781065557/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Freemium** |
| Size | 34 MB | 73 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.1 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Michael Riehl](https://appshunter.io/developer/1861093934) | [Eagle Nguyen](https://appshunter.io/developer/6781065559) |

## What reviewers say

### FocusFirst Screen Time Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusfirst-screen-time-control/id6774385126)

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:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Focus First \| Monthly | $8.99 | per month |
| Focus First \| Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Focus First \| Yearly | $49.99 | per year |


### pause now

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pause-now-screen-time-control/id6781065557)

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.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps, Customizable schedules, Manual blocking sessions, Earn stars for focus, Flexible controls, Simple setup

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| pause now Premium Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| pause now Pro — Annual | $19.99 | per year |
| pause now Premium — Lifetime | $90.00 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FocusFirst Screen Time Control free?

FocusFirst Screen Time Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is pause now free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FocusFirst Screen Time Control or pause now?

FocusFirst Screen Time Control and pause now are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do FocusFirst Screen Time Control or pause now have ads?

Neither FocusFirst Screen Time Control nor pause now shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FocusFirst Screen Time Control or pause now?

FocusFirst Screen Time Control ships an update every 2 weeks, and pause now every 6 days. Most recently, FocusFirst Screen Time Control was updated on September 18, 2026 and pause now on September 20, 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.*