Best Screen Time Apps 2025: Complete Comparison

Opal is one of the most popular screen time apps with a large user base. It offers comprehensive app and website blocking, detailed analytics, and social features. The app is beautifully designed with gamification elements like gems and streaks.

Brick takes a unique approach with a physical NFC device that you tap to unlock your blocked apps. Keep the Brick on your fridge, and you physically can't access distracting apps unless you walk over and tap it. No subscription required.

One Sec takes a different approach: instead of blocking apps, it adds a brief pause and breathing exercise before you can open them. This "pattern interrupt" breaks the automatic habit of checking apps and has been shown to reduce social media use by 57%.

Freedom is the only cross-platform solution that syncs blocking across all your devices - phone, tablet, and computer. Start a focus session on your Mac, and your iPhone is automatically blocked too. Great for people who need to block distractions everywhere.

Clearspace focuses on breaking the dopamine-driven impulse to open apps. It adds friction before accessing distracting apps, and has a unique feature where you can earn screen time by doing pushups or other activities.

BePresent gamifies screen time reduction with leaderboards, points, and accountability partners. Make daily commitments and compete with friends to see who can stick to their goals best.

ScreenZen is a completely free app that adds intentional pauses before you can access distracting apps. Similar to One Sec, it uses friction to break the automatic habit loop, but without the subscription cost. Donations are optional to support development.

Jomo (the opposite of FOMO - Fear of Missing Out) helps you block apps and websites on both your iPhone and Mac. Features a clean design and focuses on helping you reclaim "joyful moments offline."

Bloom uses a physical NFC card to lock and unlock distracting apps. One purchase includes the card and lifetime app access - no subscription required. Features a child mode for parents who want to manage their kids' screen time.

Unpluq is an NFC tag that acts as a digital key to your blocked apps. The small rubberized tag comes with a carabiner and works offline - no charging or Bluetooth needed. However, it requires an annual subscription to use.

Foqos is a free, open-source screen time app that uses NFC tags or QR codes to unlock blocked apps. Since it's open-source, the app is completely free with no hidden costs or subscriptions. Great for budget-conscious users who want physical accountability.

Minimalist Phone replaces your Android home screen with a clean, text-only launcher. The idea: if your phone looks boring, you'll use it less. Features include grayscale mode, app time limits, and a "dumbphone" aesthetic that removes visual distractions.

Before Launcher is a minimalist Android launcher designed to make your phone less addictive. The free version includes the core text-only launcher, while the premium version adds features like scheduled app hiding and notification filtering.

Blank Spaces is the iOS equivalent of a minimalist launcher. It lets you customize your iPhone home screen with blank icons and hidden apps, creating a cleaner, less distracting interface. Perfect for iPhone users who want a dumbphone aesthetic.