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Head-to-head · Screen Time Management Apps

ScreenZen vs Opal

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score ScreenZen #2 in Screen Time Management Apps 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit ScreenZen
Opal #8 in Screen Time Management Apps 8.6/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit 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 scoreScreenZen · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Opal

ScreenZen scores higher on our rubric for screen time management apps: 9.3 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.

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 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Opal 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.6
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 Free $8.29/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 7 days
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 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
  • Covers Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
  • Combines blocking, schedules, limits, delays, and tracking
  • Lock mode makes limits harder to bypass
  • 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
  • No browser-extension support
  • No AI features
  • Halo hardware is separate from the core app
  • The Free plan allows only 1 rule
  • Pro Monthly costs $19.99 per month
  • Advanced features require a paid Pro plan
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 →
  1. ScreenZenScreen Time Management Apps 9.3Free plan
  2. OpalScreen Time Management Apps 8.6Free plan · 7-day trial

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
  • ScreenZen9.3/10 · Free plan

    A free, broad screen-time toolkit for blocking apps and websites across four platforms.

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

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

    Visit OpalFull verdict →

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update