Built-in screen time tools are easy to ignore. Dedicated apps add stronger limits, smarter schedules, or a pause that makes you think before you scroll. We compared the screen time apps in our inventory and picked three. Prices were checked on November 1, 2026.
1
Limits, focus sessions and a daily scoreOpal
Free plan; Pro subscription Opal is a digital wellbeing and focus app made to reduce distracting screen time. It offers app blocking, scheduled focus sessions, time limits and open limits, soundscapes and an Opal Score. The free tier includes one rule, app blocking, basic timers and soundscapes, and today's score. Pro is $99.99 a year (about $8.29 a month), $19.99 a month, or $399 for life, and free trials are offered.
Pick it if you want a polished app that sets clear limits and shows how you are doing.
2
A mindful pause before distracting appsone sec
Free for one app; subscription for more one sec interrupts distracting social media apps, other apps and websites with a mindful pause, including breathing exercises, before they open. The goal is to cut unconscious scrolling and change the habit over time. It also offers blocking, schedules and time limits. The free tier covers one app or website. Pro costs €3.99 a month, €14.99 a year or €99.99 for life, with a one-week trial.
Pick it if you reach for your phone on autopilot and want a cheap, gentle fix.
3
Blocking across phone and computerFreedom
Subscription or lifetime licence Freedom is an app and website blocker that can block apps, sites or the whole internet, and sync blocking sessions across devices. Premium adds scheduling and Locked Mode. The free tier includes limited sessions. Premium is $39.99 a year or $8.99 a month, and there is a $199 lifetime option.
Pick it if you want firm blocks that cover your computer as well as your phone.
one sec is the best value and the gentlest approach, and it works on almost every platform. Opal is the pick if you want schedules, limits and a score to keep you honest, and do not mind a higher price. Freedom is best if your screen time problem is split between your phone and your computer.
