# Serein vs Ransom

The clearest difference is update cadence: Ransom at every 5 days against Serein's fortnightly. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Serein sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Ransom sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Serein ships an update fortnightly, Ransom every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Serein | Ransom |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ransom-exercise-screen-time/id6809648558/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **3** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 97 MB | 78 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Manisha Thakur](https://appshunter.io/developer/1881523884) | [Lucas Coles](https://appshunter.io/developer/6809648560) |

## What reviewers say

### Serein

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/serein-screen-time-control/id6789297659)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Serein Premium Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Serein Premium Yearly | $24.99 | per year |
| Serein Premium Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |


### Ransom

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ransom-exercise-screen-time/id6809648558)

This app helps you reclaim your time by requiring physical exercise, like push-ups or steps, before you can access distracting apps. Earn minutes for your workouts to unlock your chosen apps, encouraging healthier habits and better focus.

**Highlights:** Exercise for app access, Push-up and squat tracking, Step counting, Customizable app blocking, Timed app unlocks, Progress tracking, Scheduled 'wind-down' rules

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ransom Pro Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Ransom Pro Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Ransom Pro Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Ransom Pro Yearly | $24.99 | per year |
| Ransom Pro Yearly | $24.99 | per year |
| Ransom Pro Yearly | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Serein free?

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

### Is Ransom free?

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

### Do Serein or Ransom have ads?

Neither Serein nor Ransom shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Serein or Ransom?

Serein ships an update fortnightly, and Ransom every 5 days. Most recently, Serein was updated on October 28, 2026 and Ransom on October 26, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*