Head-to-head · Screen Time Management Apps
ScreenZen vs StayFree
ScreenZen leads on 0 checks, StayFree on 4, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreScreenZen · 4.8/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresStayFree · 4 of 4
Our editors rank ScreenZen at #2 and StayFree at #6 for screen time management apps; StayFree has no rubric score yet (facts researched, not yet scored), so the checks below decide.
StayFree offers usage reports; ScreenZen doesn't publish it. StayFree offers application limits; ScreenZen doesn't publish it. StayFree offers scheduled limits; ScreenZen doesn't publish it. StayFree offers focus sessions; ScreenZen doesn't publish it.
ScreenZen is the better fit for free, broad screen-time controls. StayFree is the better fit for free cross-platform usage tracking and limits.
- ScreenZen fits best
Free, broad screen-time controls
- StayFree fits best
Free cross-platform usage tracking and limits
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Side by side
| Feature | ScreenZen 4.8/10 Visit ↗ | StayFree —/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 4.8 | — |
| Ranking | #2 in Screen Time Management Apps | #6 in Screen Time Management Apps |
| Best for | Free, broad screen-time controls | Free cross-platform usage tracking and limits |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension |
| Support | Email, Community | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business |
| Features ScreenZen 0/4 · StayFree 4/4 | ||
| Usage reports | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Application limits | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Scheduled limits | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Focus sessions | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Devices included | Not published | Not published |
| Supported platforms | Not published | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Wear OS |
| 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 → |
StayFree is a screen time management app for people who want to understand and reduce device usage across phones, computers, browsers, and Wear OS. It records app and website activity, presents usage history through charts and statistics,… 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
StayFree — where it wins
- Covers web, desktop, mobile, browsers, and Wear OS
- Combines usage charts, limits, blocking, and scheduled focus mode
- Supports synchronization, overuse reminders, sleep mode, and CSV export
Where it doesn't
- CSV is the listed format for usage-data exports
- Controls focus on apps and websites rather than broader device management
- Managing coverage across platforms may require multiple apps or extensions
- ScreenZen4.8/10 · Free plan
A free, broad screen-time toolkit for blocking apps and websites across four platforms.
Visit ScreenZenFull verdict → - StayFree—/10 · Free plan
A broad free option for tracking usage, setting limits, and blocking distractions.
Visit StayFreeFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Freedom vs StayFree
- ScreenZen vs AppBlock
- ScreenZen vs Apple Screen Time
- ScreenZen vs Opal
- AppBlock vs StayFree
- one sec vs StayFree
- Apple Screen Time vs StayFree
- StayFree vs FocusMe
All screen time management apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026







