Head-to-head · Screen Time Management Apps
ScreenZen vs Opal
ScreenZen leads on 0 checks, Opal on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreOpal · 6.0/10
- Free planboth
Opal scores higher on our rubric for screen time management apps: 6.0 against 4.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #8 and #2.
ScreenZen is the better fit for free, broad screen-time controls. Opal is the better fit for apple and Android users wanting polished blocking.
- ScreenZen fits best
Free, broad screen-time controls
- Opal fits best
Apple and Android users wanting polished blocking
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Side by side
| Feature | ScreenZen 4.8/10 Visit ↗ | Opal 6.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 4.8 | 6.0 |
| Ranking | #2 in Screen Time Management Apps | #8 in Screen Time Management Apps |
| Best for | Free, broad screen-time controls | Apple and Android users wanting polished blocking |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Community | Email, Live chat, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features ScreenZen 0/4 · Opal 0/4 | ||
| Usage reports | Not published | Not published |
| Application limits | Not published | Not published |
| Scheduled limits | Not published | Not published |
| Focus sessions | Not published | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Devices included | Not published | Not published |
| Supported platforms | Not published | Not published |
| Usage history retention | Not published | Not published |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | ScreenZen is a free digital-wellbeing app for people who want to reduce distracting screen time, improve focus, or create phone-free periods. It blocks selected apps and websites, supports daily limits and usage goals, and can pause or… 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
ScreenZen — where it wins
- Covers Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- Combines blocking, schedules, limits, delays, and tracking
- Lock mode makes limits harder to bypass
Where it doesn't
- No browser-extension support
- No AI features
- Halo hardware is separate from the core app
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
- ScreenZen4.8/10 · Free plan
A free, broad screen-time toolkit for blocking apps and websites across four platforms.
Visit ScreenZenFull verdict → - Opal6.0/10 · Free plan · paid from $8.29/mo (annual) · 7-day trial
A polished blocker for apps, websites, schedules, limits, and focused sessions.
Visit OpalFull verdict →
More comparisons
- ScreenZen vs AppBlock
- ScreenZen vs Apple Screen Time
- ScreenZen vs StayFree
- one sec vs Opal
- Apple Screen Time vs Opal
- StayFree vs Opal
All screen time management apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026