Apple Screen Time vs Opal

Apple Screen Time8.9Visit Opal8.6Visit

Higher score Apple Screen Time #5 in Screen Time Management Apps 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Apple

vs

Opal #8 in Screen Time Management Apps 8.6/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Opal

• Apple Screen Time fits best

  Apple users wanting built-in controls

• Opal fits best

  Apple and Android users wanting polished blocking

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Side by side

Feature	Apple Screen Time 8.9/10 Visit ↗	Opal 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.9	8.6
Ranking	#5 in Screen Time Management Apps	#8 in Screen Time Management Apps
Best for	Apple users wanting built-in controls	Apple and Android users wanting polished blocking
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free plan	$8.29/mo
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	7 days
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	iOS, macOS	macOS, iOS, Android
Support	Docs	Email, Live chat, Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Apple Screen Time 0/4 · Opal 0/4
Usage reports	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Application limits	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Scheduled limits	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Focus sessions	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Devices included	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Supported platforms	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Usage history retention	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Free and built into iOS and macOS devices Combines reports, schedules, limits, and restrictions Adds Family Sharing, iCloud, and communication controls	Blocks distracting apps and websites across iOS, Android, and macOS Hard Mode prevents sessions from ending early Apple Shortcuts and Focus Filters support custom routines
Cons	Limited to iOS and macOS platforms Less specialized enforcement depth than dedicated blockers Location sharing belongs to Family Sharing and Find My	The Free plan allows only 1 rule Pro Monthly costs $19.99 per month Advanced features require a paid Pro plan
Our verdict	Apple Screen Time is a built-in feature for iPhone, iPad, and Mac that helps parents manage children’s device use. It provides app and website activity reports, Downtime schedules, app limits, content and privacy restrictions,… Read the review →	Opal is a distraction-blocking and digital-wellbeing app for people who want to reduce screen time and improve focus. It works across iPhone, Android, and Mac, combining app and website blocking with scheduled sessions, time limits, open… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Apple Screen Time — where it wins

  • Free and built into iOS and macOS devices
  • Combines reports, schedules, limits, and restrictions
  • Adds Family Sharing, iCloud, and communication controls

  Where it doesn't

  • Limited to iOS and macOS platforms
  • Less specialized enforcement depth than dedicated blockers
  • Location sharing belongs to Family Sharing and Find My

• Opal — where it wins

  • Blocks distracting apps and websites across iOS, Android, and macOS
  • Hard Mode prevents sessions from ending early
  • Apple Shortcuts and Focus Filters support custom routines

  Where it doesn't

  • The Free plan allows only 1 rule
  • Pro Monthly costs $19.99 per month
  • Advanced features require a paid Pro plan

• Apple Screen Time8.9/10 · Free plan

  A free, built-in choice for Apple families needing core screen time controls.

  Visit AppleFull verdict →
• Opal8.6/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

  A polished blocker for apps, websites, schedules, limits, and focused sessions.

  Visit OpalFull verdict →