AppBlock
iOS · Android · macOS · Windows · Web
Multi-device app and website blocker with location and WiFi triggers
Best for: Users who want automated, contextual blocking based on location and WiFi
FreemiumGet the app
Make your phone a little more boring.
Best apps to reduce screen time & live more intentionally
Blockers, calmer home screens and little pauses before you open the apps that eat your day. We test all 13 of them by hand, and nobody can pay to be here.
Browse all apps
13 apps
Editor's pick Editor's pick 
Brick App
iOS · Android
Software companion for physical magnetic NFC stone phone blocking
Best for: Anyone who habitually overrides on-screen passwords and screen-time limits
FreeGet the appEditor's pick 
Clearspace
iOS · Android
Dopamine detox assistant adding intentional pauses to distracting apps
Best for: Individuals who need to set deliberate time budgets before each app open
FreemiumGet the appEditor's pick 
Cold Turkey Blocker
macOS · Windows
Ironclad, un-killable website and application blocker for desktop
Best for: Writers, researchers, and remote workers who easily bypass softer browser extensions
PaidRead reviewEditor's pick 
Jomo
iOS · macOS
Screen time app designed to balance screen and real life
Best for: iPhone and Mac users who want a warm, design-forward screen time companion
FreemiumGet the appEditor's pick 
Minimalist Phone Launcher
Android
Transforms your modern smartphone into a monochrome utility tool
Best for: Android users who want dumb-phone calm without giving up modern banking or navigation apps
FreemiumRead reviewEditor's pick 
One Sec
iOS · Android · macOS
Neuroscience-backed breathing pause before opening distracting apps
Best for: People reflexively opening Instagram, TikTok, or X out of unconscious muscle memory
FreemiumGet the appEditor's pick 
Opal
iOS · macOS
Deep work focus assistant with non-bypassable app shields
Best for: Knowledge workers and students needing ironclad afternoon focus blocks
FreemiumGet the appEditor's pick 
ScreenZen
iOS · Android
Free customizable pauses, wait timers, and launch limits
Best for: Budget-conscious users who want powerful pause friction without monthly subscription fees
FreeRead review
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute screen habits quiz
Top picks for every goal
Compare apps side by side
How hard each one stops you, where it runs and what it costs.
| Link | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 AppBlock Users who want automated, contextual blocking based on location and WiFi | Lock: Hard blocks you can't skip, level 3 of 3 |
| FreemiumFree tier with 3 active blocks; Premium at $4.99/mo or $29.99/yr | Get it |
 Brick App Anyone who habitually overrides on-screen passwords and screen-time limits | Lock: Hard blocks you can't skip, level 3 of 3 |
| FreeFree companion app; physical Brick stone required ($49 one-time) | Get it |
 Clearspace Individuals who need to set deliberate time budgets before each app open | Nudge: Gentle reminders and pauses, level 1 of 3 |
| FreemiumFree trial, then $7.99/mo or $49.99/yr | Get it |
 Cold Turkey Blocker Writers, researchers, and remote workers who easily bypass softer browser extensions | Lock: Hard blocks you can't skip, level 3 of 3 |
| One-timeFree basic version; Pro lifetime license is $39 one-time purchase | Review |
 Jomo iPhone and Mac users who want a warm, design-forward screen time companion | Lock: Hard blocks you can't skip, level 3 of 3 |
| FreemiumFree basic version; Jomo Plus at $4.99/mo or $29.99/yr | Get it |
 Minimalist Phone Launcher Android users who want dumb-phone calm without giving up modern banking or navigation apps | Pause: Makes you wait or earn it, level 2 of 3 |
| FreemiumFree trial, then $3.99/mo or $29.99 one-time lifetime license | Review |
 One Sec People reflexively opening Instagram, TikTok, or X out of unconscious muscle memory | Nudge: Gentle reminders and pauses, level 1 of 3 |
| FreemiumFree basic version; Pro unlocks custom delays from $2.99/mo or $19.99/yr | Get it |
 Opal Knowledge workers and students needing ironclad afternoon focus blocks | Lock: Hard blocks you can't skip, level 3 of 3 |
| FreemiumFree tier with basic schedules; Opal Pro at $9.99/mo or $59.99/yr | Get it |
Built-in vs apps
Why Screen Time settings aren't enough
Apple Screen Time and Android Digital Wellbeing are a fine start. But they're built to report on your habits, not to stop them.
the skip button
Built-in controls: “Ignore limit for 15 min” is one tap away.
Dedicated apps: No skip. A breathing pause, a hard block or a physical tap to unlock.
when it steps in
Built-in controls: After you've already scrolled for an hour or two.
Dedicated apps: The moment you open the app, before the feed pulls you in.
other devices
Built-in controls: Stuck to one phone. The laptop is still wide open.
Dedicated apps: One blocklist across your phone, laptop and browser.
the home screen
Built-in controls: Bright icons and a weekly guilt graph.
Dedicated apps: Calm, grey home screens and a nudge to do something else.
How an app makes the list
Plenty of apps promise to cut your screen time. These are the checks every app here has to pass.
How we pick what goes on the siteFrequently Asked Questions About Detox Apps
Everything you need to know about cognitive friction, screen-time tools, cross-platform blockers, and intentional software selection.
Still wondering something? See every answer.