StayFree vs Opal

StayFree8.8Visit Opal8.6Visit

Higher score StayFree #6 in Screen Time Management Apps 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit StayFree

vs

Opal #8 in Screen Time Management Apps 8.6/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Opal

• 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 8.8/10 Visit ↗	Opal 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	8.6
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	Free plan	$8.29/mo
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	7 days
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 checked yet
Application limits	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Scheduled limits	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Focus sessions	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Specs
Devices included	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Supported platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Wear OS	Not checked yet
Usage history retention	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
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 →

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

• StayFree8.8/10 · Free plan

  A broad free option for tracking usage, setting limits, and blocking distractions.

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

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

  Visit OpalFull verdict →