ScreenZen
Free app that delays and blocks distracting apps and sites
Our verdict
First of our top three focus apps
For: Most people
ScreenZen slows down or blocks distracting apps and websites: it can add a wait before an app opens, cut sessions short, set daily limits, block by schedule and lock its own settings so the limits are hard to undo. The whole app is free with no subscription, and it runs on iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows. Its iPhone and iPad app averages 4.9 from about 51,000 ratings. Know the limits: it is funded by donations, with optional tips listed from $5 to $40 on the US App Store, the Windows version is a direct download from ScreenZen's site, website blocking on Android relies on the Accessibility permission, and no Linux version or browser extension is listed.
See all three and how we rankWhat is ScreenZen?
ScreenZen is a free screen time app that slows down or blocks distracting apps and websites. It can make you wait before an app opens, cut sessions short, enforce daily limits and schedules, and lock its own settings so the limits are hard to undo. It has no subscription and is funded by donations; the company also sells an optional companion device called halo.
ScreenZen is free to use. See every plan
Good for
- People who want a screen time blocker without paying a subscription
- Adding a pause before social apps instead of removing them
- Keeping phones out of use in the bedroom with the optional halo device
Worth knowing
- The app is funded by donations; its in-app purchases are optional tips, listed from $5 to $40 on the US App Store.
- The halo companion device costs $49, ships to the US only and works with iOS 16.4 or later and Android 12.0 or later.
- The Windows version is a direct download from ScreenZen's site, while the Mac version shares the App Store listing with the iPhone and iPad app.
- On Android, website blocking relies on the Accessibility permission.
Key features
- Delay before an app opens
- A wait is added before a distracting app opens, and it can lengthen with each open. A message of your choice, such as a question to yourself, is shown meanwhile.
- Interrupted sessions
- Apps can be opened for short periods only, so each session ends with a prompt to decide whether to keep going.
- Limits and strict blocks
- Set a daily goal per app and optionally block it at the limit. Strict blocks can apply to time ranges, after a number of opens or after a set screen time.
- Schedules by day and time
- Settings can differ by day of the week and time of day for each app, for example stricter rules during work hours or at bedtime.
- Lock mode
- Settings can be locked so they cannot be changed on impulse, and the site says lock mode can prevent uninstalling the app.
- halo companion device
- An optional Bluetooth device, sold separately, that blocks chosen apps while the phone is inside its radius of up to 50 ft, such as a bedroom.
ScreenZen pricing
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- The app is free with no subscription. ScreenZen describes itself as donation-supported, and the in-app purchases are optional tips.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| ScreenZen | $0 | The complete app: delays, limits, strict blocks, schedules and lock mode. Optional tips of $5 to $40 are listed on the US App Store. |
Read from screenzen.co on Oct 5, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with ScreenZen before you buy.
How people rate the ScreenZen app
4.9
out of 5 for the iPhone and iPad app
- 5 stars92%
- 4 stars6%
- 3 stars1%
- 2 stars<1%
- 1 star1%
50,990 ratings on the App Store in the United States, read Oct 5, 2026. It rates the app, not everything the product does. See the listing
ScreenZen alternatives
- ScreenZen vs one sec
Free plan · from $3.99/mo
- ScreenZen vs Opal
Free plan · from $8.29/mo
- ScreenZen vs Clearspace
Free plan · from $6.99/mo
- ScreenZen vs Jomo
Free plan · from $2.49/mo
- ScreenZen vs Freedom
Free plan · from $3.33/mo
Common questions
Is ScreenZen free?
Yes. ScreenZen is free to use. The app is free with no subscription. ScreenZen describes itself as donation-supported, and the in-app purchases are optional tips.
How much does ScreenZen cost?
ScreenZen lists one plan. ScreenZen: $0. Prices were read from screenzen.co on Oct 5, 2026.
What platforms does ScreenZen work on?
ScreenZen is available on iOS, Android, macOS and Windows.
How is ScreenZen rated?
ScreenZen's iPhone and iPad app averages 4.9 out of 5 from 50,990 ratings on the App Store in the United States, as read on Oct 5, 2026. That is the store's rating of the app, not a score from us.
Does ScreenZen have a Linux app?
No Linux app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. ScreenZen is listed for iOS, Android, macOS and Windows.
Is ScreenZen open source?
ScreenZen is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Oct 5, 2026.
Who makes ScreenZen?
ScreenZen is made by ScreenZen LLC.
What are the alternatives to ScreenZen?
The closest alternatives to ScreenZen in our directory are one sec, Opal, Clearspace, Jomo and Freedom. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with ScreenZen.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 5, 2026. What people say is linked where it appears.