Comparison

Earned vs Luma

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

Head to head
About

Earned

Features
Read full description

Every unlock begins with a commitment. Earned helps you break the scroll-first habit. Before you open the apps you love, you do something that matters — wash the dishes, read, work out, study — and only then earn a limited window of screen time. HOW IT WORKS 1. DECLARE A TASK Choose from dozens of built-in tasks across chores, wellness, learning, creativity, and more — or create your own with Earned Pro. 2. SET A TIMER Pick how long you'll focus. The timer cannot be paused or skipped. Your selected apps stay locked until time is up. 3. EARN YOUR APPS When the timer ends, you unlock a scroll window — screen time you've actually earned. When it's over, apps lock again until your next task. WHY EARNED IS DIFFERENT • Commitment-first — scrolling is the reward, not the default • No pause, no override — the timer runs until it's done • Real tasks, real streaks — build momentum day after day • Uses Apple's Screen Time APIs — locking happens on your device • Widgets & Live Activities — see your timer and progress at a glance FREE INCLUDES • Lock up to 3 apps • 1 app folder • Full task library • Streak tracking • Scroll window after each completed task EARNED PRO • Unlimited app locking • Unlimited app folders • Custom tasks & durations • Schedule tasks ahead of time • Full insights & streak history • Custom scroll window length PRIVACY Earned uses Apple's Screen Time and Family Controls frameworks to lock and unlock apps on your device. We do not sell your data. Screen Time usage data stays on your device. SUBSCRIPTIONS Earned Pro is available as a monthly or yearly auto-renewing subscription. Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation. Subscription renews automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage subscriptions in Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://malachipatrick718.github.io/earned/privacy/

About

Luma

Features
Read full description

Do real life before you scroll. Tired of losing 4+ hours every day to doomscrolling? Willpower alone is no match for social media algorithms. Luma flips the script: screen time is no longer a default—it’s a reward you earn through real-life action. Protect your focus on a schedule With Scheduled Blocks in Luma Plus, choose the apps, days, and start and end times for your focus routine. Create a daily plan, repeat it on selected weekdays, or choose a specific date. Luma automatically blocks your selected apps during that window. Make separate plans for study, work, or winding down. Edit the hours, pause a plan when you need to, and optionally receive notifications when a scheduled block starts and ends. Requires Screen Time access. How Luma works: 1. Choose Distracting Apps: Pick the social, video, and gaming apps you want to protect. 2. Complete Real-Life Quests: Do push-ups, stretch, read, study, or finish a focus session. 3. Earn Screen Time Credits: Your camera or timer verifies your effort and awards time credits. 4. Unlock & Enjoy: Spend your earned minutes guilt-free. When time runs out, Luma locks them automatically. What makes Luma different: • Camera and Pose Tracking: Real-time tracking counts your push-ups and guides your stretching sessions. No cheating—earn your screen time through real movement! • Interactive Daily Quests: Express gratitude in a 3-point journal, take a 3-minute rhythm dance break, or take a photo touching grass outside. • Focus Timer & Pomodoro: Need deep work or study time? Start a focus block and stack minutes for later. • 1-Minute Unlock Warning: Never get cut off mid-scroll without notice. • Streak Freeze & Star Quests: Build daily momentum without fear of losing your streak on busy days. Block distractions, not your life: • Native Screen Time Integration: Built strictly on Apple’s Screen Time controls. • 100% Private: Luma never reads your messages, browsing history, or personal data. Everything stays on your device. • Friction That Works: Break impulsive phone pickups with intentional pause and physical action. Built for: • Students aiming to study before opening social media • Professionals looking to eliminate workday distractions • Anyone struggling with doomscrolling, attention, or phone habits • People who want to replace passive screen time with real-world habits Your phone does not have to be the enemy. Do real life. Earn your scroll. Luma Plus: Luma Plus unlocks full access through flexible auto-renewable subscriptions. Pricing may vary by territory and is clearly displayed before confirmation. Eligible plans may feature free trials or introductory offers as detailed on the paywall. Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account upon purchase confirmation. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours prior to the end of the current billing cycle. Manage or cancel anytime in your App Store Account Settings. Privacy Policy: https://luma-yasinertekin.web.app/privacy Terms of Use: https://luma-yasinertekin.web.app/terms

Screenshots

Earned4 screens
Luma4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Earned at every 2 days against Luma's every 6 days. Earned also leads on iOS requirement (16.1 vs 18.2). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. Earned sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Luma sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Earned ships an update every 2 days, Luma every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 4 level
Earned versus Luma: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterEarnedLuma
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 2 days — betterEvery 6 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS16.1 — better18.2
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB126 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperMalachi PatrickYASIN ERTEKIN

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Earned

Subscriptions2
  • Earned Pro Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Earned Pro Yearly$39.991 Year
4 purchases

Luma

Subscriptions4
  • Luma Plus Weekly7 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Luma Plus Monthly7 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Luma Plus Annual Offer7 Days trial$29.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Luma Plus Annual7 Days trial$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Earned free?
Earned is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Luma free?
Luma is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Earned or Luma have ads?
Neither Earned nor Luma shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Earned or Luma?
Earned ships an update every 2 days, and Luma every 6 days. Most recently, Earned was updated on October 24, 2026 and Luma on October 16, 2026.

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