# DOOMSTARE vs Pause

The clearest difference is ads: DOOMSTARE at none against Pause's shown. On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. DOOMSTARE sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days and Pause sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

DOOMSTARE ships an update every 2 weeks, Pause every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | DOOMSTARE | Pause |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pause-doom-scrolling-blocker/id6781665628/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **9** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 64 MB | 23 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Javier Fandos](https://appshunter.io/developer/6780884120) | [Carlos Velasquez](https://appshunter.io/developer/1814581124) |

## What reviewers say

### DOOMSTARE

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/doomstare-reduce-screen-time/id6780884118)

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Annual | $29.99 | per year |


### Pause

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pause-doom-scrolling-blocker/id6781665628)

This app inserts a brief puzzle before you open selected apps, creating a moment of intentionality to reduce mindless scrolling. It offers various puzzles and a premium version for ad removal and full puzzle access.

**Highlights:** Puzzle before app access, Reduces mindless scrolling, Nine calming puzzle types, Customizable app blocking, Intentional use timer, Premium ad-free option

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pause Premium (Monthly) | $4.99 | per month |
| Pause Premium (Annual) | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DOOMSTARE free?

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

### Is Pause free?

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

### Do DOOMSTARE or Pause have ads?

Pause shows ads; DOOMSTARE does not.

### Which is updated more often, DOOMSTARE or Pause?

DOOMSTARE ships an update every 2 weeks, and Pause every 3 weeks. Most recently, DOOMSTARE was updated on November 5, 2026 and Pause on November 5, 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.*