Roots review
A focused iPhone detox app with strong behavior-change tools and one-platform coverage.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Roots pros and cons
- 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
Roots fact sheet, pricing and score →
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