# Star Writer vs ScreenZen

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Star Writer at none against ScreenZen's 4. Star Writer also leads on iOS requirement (9.0 vs 16.4). ScreenZen's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 42 months) and ratings volume (52K vs 6). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ScreenZen sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Star Writer asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Star Writer against 4.9 for ScreenZen. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScreenZen has 52K ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 83% of Star Writer's written reviews are positive against 93% of ScreenZen's.

Star Writer ships an update every 42 months, ScreenZen every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Star Writer | ScreenZen |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-writer/id985877519/reviews)** | [4.9 (52K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 6 | **52K** |
| Positive reviews | 83.3% of reviews | **93.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 42 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#144** |
| Size | 20 MB | 159 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Rainbow Brainskull LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/886945476) | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) |

## What reviewers say

### Star Writer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-writer/id985877519)

Create mesmerizing psychedelic art with this drawing tool.  The speed of your finger movements directly influences the flow of energy in your creations. Explore endless visual possibilities by adjusting star sizes.

**Highlights:** Psychedelic imagery creation, Finger-drag responsive energy flow, Adjustable star sizes, Intuitive drawing interface

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### ScreenZen

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222)

**Currently charting:** #144 Top Free · Productivity (US App Store)

This app offers multiple strategies to help you reduce screen time and control app usage. Features include delayed app opening, timed scrolling interruptions, and customizable app limits. It also provides options for strict blocking, settings protection, and encourages mindful breaks.

**Highlights:** Delayed app opening, Scrolling interruption, Set app goals and limits, Configurable daily schedules, Strict app blocking, Screen time tracking for distracting apps, Settings protection locks

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Kind Tip | $5.00 | one-time |
| Generous Tip | $10.00 | one-time |
| Amazing Tip | $20.00 | one-time |
| Fantastic Tip | $40.00 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Completely reversed my scrolling addiction
- 🚀 Helps manage screen time
- 👍 Excellent app, easy to use
- 👍 Genuinely the best screentime app out there
- 👍 Effective in avoiding doom scrolling

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy, sometimes doesn't unlock apps
- 🐛 Notifications can't break through
- 🐛 Inconsistent UI across devices

**Reported bugs**

- Unlock button not working as expected
- App stops working after some time
- Compatibility issues with iOS 16 update

**Requested features**

- Add more customization options
- Integrate with productivity/to-do apps
- Add more pause/break options
- Improve website blocking functionality


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Star Writer free?

Star Writer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ScreenZen free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Star Writer or ScreenZen?

Star Writer is rated higher. Star Writer averages 5.0 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while ScreenZen averages 4.9 from 52K ratings.

### Do Star Writer or ScreenZen have ads?

Neither Star Writer nor ScreenZen shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Star Writer or ScreenZen?

Star Writer ships an update every 42 months, and ScreenZen every 3 weeks. Most recently, Star Writer was updated on October 3, 2026 and ScreenZen on October 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.*