AppBlock is a capable blocker, and for many people its schedules and Strict Mode are exactly what they need. If you're considering a change, you may want more flexible ways to respond when a strict block feels too easy to switch off. Here are a few different approaches.
Quick comparison
Android only. Tap a cell marked "Some" to see the catch.
- Yes
- Some support
- Paid
- Not verified
- Planned
- No
| Feature |  AppBlock |  Screentide |  ScreenZen |  one sec |  StayFree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Android essentials | |||||
| Websites | |||||
| Usage limits | |||||
| Recurring schedules | |||||
| Calendar sync | |||||
| Location triggers | |||||
| NFC / QR triggers | |||||
| Mindful pauses | |||||
| In-app friction | |||||
| Full blocks | |||||
| App usage history | |||||
| Website usage history | |||||
| Usage trends | |||||
| Streaks | |||||
| Also on iOS | |||||
| Price |
View sources
- ScreenZen on Google Play
- ScreenZen website and FAQ
- AppBlock Android help
- AppBlock free and Premium features
- one sec on Google Play
- one sec peer-reviewed six-week study (PNAS)
- What's included in one sec pro
- one sec Android block schedules
- one sec Android Reels and Shorts
- one sec Android website limitations
- StayFree on Google Play
See the full Android feature comparison for more detail on Screentide, ScreenZen, Opal, AppBlock and one sec.
1. Screentide
Screentide can block apps outright, and also offers options such as Slow and Tint when a full block isn't needed.
- Best for
- People whose days don't run to a fixed schedule, and who want more options than pause or block.
- Price
- Free for 3 rules. Gold is a low-cost subscription or a one-time purchase.
How it works
Pick your apps and sites, choose when the rule applies (a schedule, calendar event, usage limit or location), then Slow, Tint, Mute, Pause (with an optional breathing exercise) or Block.
Where it shines
- Screentide offers more than blocks: Slow can reduce video loading in TikTok or Instagram while leaving messaging available.
- Calendar Sync runs your rules during your real calendar events, from one lecture to every event titled "meeting", and moves them when those events move.
- Location, Wi-Fi and NFC triggers are free. A rule can start when you reach the office or tap an NFC tag by your bed.
Where it falls short
- A newer app, without AppBlock's track record.
- No streaks (yet), and no iOS.
- More than 3 rules needs Gold.
Our take
Swap your hardest block for a Slow rule for a week. If it doesn't hold, switch it to Block.
Open Screentide in Google PlaySources: Google Play listing, Android feature comparison.
2. ScreenZen
ScreenZen adds a pause before opening apps, and its core features are free.
- Best for
- People who want one free app to rein in everything, on phone and computer.
- Price
- Free to use, with optional donations to support development.
How it works
You wait before an app opens, and the wait grows each time you come back.
Where it shines
- The delay grows with every open, and you can cap how many times a day an app unlocks.
- Prompts like "What are you seeking?" turn each open into a conscious choice.
- Free on Android, iOS, macOS and Windows, with Shorts and Reels blocking and streaks.
Where it falls short
- Its approach centres on mindful pauses, limits and blocks; it doesn't offer feed slowdowns or a colored tint overlay.
- No calendar, location or Wi-Fi triggers.
- Usage stats are basic, and only cover the apps you limit.
Our take
ScreenZen is a good free alternative if you don't rely on location rules.
Open ScreenZen in Google PlaySources: Google Play listing.
3. one sec
one sec asks you to complete a breathing exercise before opening a selected app.
- Best for
- People who just want to cut down on one app.
- Price
- Free for one app. Pro is about US$19 a year.
How it works
Opening a target app starts a short breathing exercise first.
Where it shines
- A six-week study found 57% fewer openings of selected apps by the end among 280 one sec users who completed it. The study tested the full intervention, not breathing alone.
- Intention and emotion check-ins show how each app affects your mood.
- Re-interventions nudge you again when a session runs long.
Where it falls short
- Free covers just one app.
- On Android, pro doesn't include the extra intervention types, website blocking or strict sessions.
- Scheduled blocks on Android are still in beta.
Our take
one sec is a good fit if you want a pause before opening one app, though it may not replace a blocker you use across your phone.
Open one sec in Google PlaySources: Google Play listing, Peer-reviewed six-week study (PNAS), Android block schedules, Android website intervention.
4. StayFree
StayFree can help you check whether your blocking rules target the apps you use most.
- Best for
- People who want to see where their time goes before changing anything.
- Price
- Free, with optional Premium. No ads.
How it works
Tracks app and website use on phone, computer and watch, and nudges you when you overdo it.
Where it shines
- The deepest cross-device reports here, including CSV export.
- Daily, session and category limits, plus in-app blocking that hides the most addictive parts of feeds.
- No ads, and no account needed to sync devices.
Where it falls short
- It focuses on tracking, reminders, limits and blocking rather than a pause every time an app opens.
Our take
StayFree offers useful tracking and blocking; consider another app if you want calendar triggers or gradual friction while you scroll.
Open StayFree in Google PlaySources: Google Play listing.
Why are you looking?
- “I turn Strict Mode off the moment I need one thing.” A block that blocks everything invites a way out. Screentide’s Slow keeps messages and useful features working while the feed crawls, and optional timed unlocks cover real emergencies.
- “I don’t want to pay for Premium just to block more than a few apps.” ScreenZen is free with no app limits. Screentide’s free rules cover unlimited apps and sites.
- “Blocking feels like punishment, and I keep rebelling against it.” Try a gentler nudge that you’ll keep running: a breathing exercise before the app opens (Screentide and one sec both have one), ScreenZen’s growing delay, or Screentide’s Tint.
- “I want to understand my usage, not just its top three apps.” StayFree or Screentide.
- “My blocks work, and location rules are essential.” Stay with AppBlock, or try Screentide, which has free location and Wi-Fi triggers too.
The bottom line
If AppBlock’s blocks hold and the price suits you, there’s no reason to leave. If you often switch them off, consider tools that add friction gradually or keep useful apps available.
