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Head-to-head · Screen Time Management Apps

StayFree vs Opal

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
StayFree #6 in Screen Time Management Apps —/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit StayFree
Higher score Opal #8 in Screen Time Management Apps 6.0/10 Free plan · paid from $8.29/mo (annual) · 7-day trial Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit 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

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. It never changes our verdict. How we rank.

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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • The Free plan allows only 1 rule
  • Pro Monthly costs $19.99 per month
  • Advanced features require a paid Pro plan
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 →
  1. StayFreeScreen Time Management Apps —Free plan
  2. OpalScreen Time Management Apps 6.0Free plan · paid from $8.29/mo (annual) · 7-day trial

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

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026