Roots
Roots: A focused iPhone detox app with strong behavior-change tools and one-platform coverage. Ranked #17 of 36 in Screen Time Management Apps by our editors (7.3/10); pricing: Free plan · 7-day trial; best for iPhone detox goals and behavior change.
At a glance
- Editor score7.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan · 7-day trial
- Best foriPhone detox goals and behavior change
- Free planYes
- Paid from$59.99/yr
- Application limitsYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Combines app and website limits with scheduled downtime and goals
- Adds Monk Mode, challenges, streaks, rewards, and Balance Score
- Free plan includes insights, scroll replacements, and two blockings
Where it doesn't
- Available on iOS, while Android is listed as coming soon
- Roots Plus costs $59.99 per year or $9.99 per month billed annually
- Its strongest blocking controls require the paid Plus plan
Our verdict on Roots
Roots is a screen-time management app for iPhone users who want to reduce distracting phone use and build clearer boundaries. It covers app and website limits based on time or number of opens, scheduled downtime, screen-time insights, trends, daily phone-use goals, and a personal Balance Score. App Groups, weekly reports, detox challenges, streaks, and rewards give the product a broader behavior-change focus than a simple blocking utility. Roots uses Apple’s Screen Time API and is designed for iOS; Android is listed as coming soon.
The free tier makes Roots accessible for users who want to start with basic tracking and limits. Roots Free includes Balance Score, Scroll Replacements, Screen Time Insights, and two blockings. Roots Plus adds Unlimited Blockings, Monk Mode, Digital Dopamine, Block now, Locked Editing, and Uninstall protection. The published pricing offers Roots Plus at $59.99 per year, or $9.99 per month with annual billing. A 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee are also offered. The paid tier is most relevant for users who need persistent restrictions rather than occasional reminders.
Roots stands out through the combination of measurement, goals, blocking sessions, and motivational features. Monk Mode and Locked Editing are suited to people who want stricter friction around distracting apps and websites, while reports and trends help connect daily actions with longer-term habits. The main trade-off is platform coverage: Roots is an iPhone-focused choice, not a cross-platform screen-time manager. Choose it if your goal is structured iPhone detox and behavior change; consider another app if Android support or multi-platform management is essential.
Your product? Our editors can test Roots in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Roots pricing
All 2 Roots plans and prices →
Roots fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $59.99/yr |
| Devices included | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | iOS |
| Usage reports | Yes |
| Application limits | Yes |
| Scheduled limits | Yes |
| Focus sessions | Not verified |
| Usage history retention | Not verified |
| Free trial | 7 days |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
| Deployment | Mobile |
| Platforms | iOS |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan · 7-day trial (source) |
| Website | getroots.app |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Roots
- FreedomA flexible cross-device blocker with strong scheduling and session controls.9.4
- ScreenZenA free, broad screen-time toolkit for blocking apps and websites across four platforms.9.3
- AppBlockA flexible blocker for scheduled focus, stricter limits, and mobile-first screen-time control.9.2
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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