Head-to-head · Screen Time Management Apps
StayFree vs Opal
StayFree leads on 4 checks, Opal on 0, 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 scoreOpal · 6.0/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresStayFree · 4 of 4
Our editors rank StayFree at #6 and Opal at #8 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; Opal doesn't publish it. StayFree offers application limits; Opal doesn't publish it. StayFree offers scheduled limits; Opal doesn't publish it. StayFree offers focus sessions; Opal doesn't publish it.
StayFree is the better fit for free cross-platform usage tracking and limits. Opal is the better fit for apple and Android users wanting polished blocking.
- StayFree fits best
Free cross-platform usage tracking and limits
- Opal fits best
Apple and Android users wanting polished blocking
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Side by side
| Feature | StayFree —/10 Visit ↗ | Opal 6.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | — | 6.0 |
| Ranking | #6 in Screen Time Management Apps | #8 in Screen Time Management Apps |
| Best for | Free cross-platform usage tracking and limits | Apple and Android users wanting polished blocking |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension | macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Email, Live chat, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features StayFree 4/4 · Opal 0/4 | ||
| Usage reports | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Application limits | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Scheduled limits | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Focus sessions | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Devices included | Not published | Not published |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Wear OS | Not published |
| Usage history retention | Not published | Not published |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | 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 → |
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
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
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
- StayFree—/10 · Free plan
A broad free option for tracking usage, setting limits, and blocking distractions.
Visit StayFreeFull 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
- Freedom vs StayFree
- ScreenZen vs StayFree
- ScreenZen vs Opal
- AppBlock vs StayFree
- one sec vs StayFree
- one sec vs Opal
- Apple Screen Time vs StayFree
- Apple Screen Time vs Opal
All screen time management apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026






