ClearSpace makes you pay for scroll time with exercise reps and shows your screen time to friends. Clever — but if doing pushups to open Instagram started feeling like a chore, you're not alone. Five apps people switch to, honestly compared: one is ours (bias disclosed).
When opening an app costs squats, the temptation is to delete the gatekeeper rather than do the reps.
Friends seeing your screen time is pressure; some people need something to actually win or lose.
Some users report tracking glitches; if that's hit you, a different tracking model may fit better.
our app — bias disclosed, judge accordingly
people drawn to a science-led, monk-mode approach
A 'monk mode', lockdown editing of distracting apps, and challenges with friends, framed around brain chemistry.
people who want polished, hard-to-bypass focus blocking and deep analytics
Scheduled focus sessions and Deep Focus that block chosen apps with no bypass, plus a focus score and analytics.
people who want a solid free blocker without paying
Progressive open-delays, scroll interruptions and per-app goals to break automatic habits.
people who want a fitness twist on cutting scroll time
Do pushups or squats (detected by the camera) to earn scroll minutes — physical effort buys app time.
| ClearSpace | Pauza | |
|---|---|---|
| Core approach | Unlock distracting apps by doing exercise reps (pushups, squats, steps), with screen time visible to friends and group challenges. | Rewards time OFF your phone: every minute away from social media becomes tokens, builds streaks, and can be staked in head-to-head bets with a friend — lowest screen time wins the pot. |
| Price | around $44.99/year | free core app; optional PRO tier |
| Social layer | screen time visible to friends, plus group challenges | real head-to-head stakes with friends — lowest screen time wins the pot (tokens only, no cash value) |
| When you slip | you can still unlock apps — it just costs reps | streaks freeze instead of breaking; a lost bet costs tokens, never money |
| Privacy | screen time is shared with friends as part of the model | per-app usage and your blocked-apps list never leave the device; friends only see an anonymous daily minute total |
| Platform | iPhone | iPhone only (iOS 26+) |
Full breakdown: Pauza vs ClearSpace
This page is written by the team behind Pauza, so read it with that in mind — we've kept every claim factual and point out where the other app is genuinely the better choice. Prices are approximate as of July 2026 and change often; always check the App Store for current pricing. All product names are trademarks of their respective owners; Pauza is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of them.
Pricing for ClearSpace is around $44.99/year. Prices are approximate and change — the App Store listing is the source of truth. Pauza's core is free on iOS 26+: tracking, tokens, streaks, a daily Hard Mode block and friend challenges cost nothing. PRO is $59.99/year or $9.99/month and only lifts the caps.
Every iPhone subscription cancels the same way, ClearSpace included: open Settings, tap your name at the top, then Subscriptions, then ClearSpace, then Cancel Subscription. Deleting the app does not stop billing, and you keep access until the end of the period you already paid for.
What Pauza costs, in full: pricing & plans
ScreenZen — free open-delays and per-app goals with no exercise requirement. Pauza's core (tracking, tokens, streaks, friend challenges) is also free on iOS 26+.
Yes — Pauza keeps the social competition and drops the reps: you and a friend stake tokens head-to-head and the lowest screen time wins the pot. Roots also runs challenges with friends, though only partly head-to-head.
Pushscroll doubles down on it — pushups and squats detected by the camera buy scroll minutes. It's the closest match for the exercise-to-unlock mechanic.
No — pricing for ClearSpace is around $44.99/year. Prices are approximate and change — the App Store listing is the source of truth. Pauza's core is free on iOS 26+: tracking, tokens, streaks, a daily Hard Mode block and friend challenges cost nothing. PRO is $59.99/year or $9.99/month and only lifts the caps.
Pricing for ClearSpace is around $44.99/year. Prices are approximate and change — the App Store listing is the source of truth. For comparison, Pauza is free with an optional PRO tier at $59.99/year or $9.99/month.
Every iPhone subscription cancels the same way, ClearSpace included: open Settings, tap your name at the top, then Subscriptions, then ClearSpace, then Cancel Subscription. Deleting the app does not stop billing, and you keep access until the end of the period you already paid for.
We don't publish other companies' discount terms — check the ClearSpace website or its App Store listing for current offers. With Pauza there is nothing to discount: the core app is free on iOS 26+, and PRO only lifts the caps.
More: Opal alternatives · one sec alternatives · Jomo alternatives · Roots alternatives · ScreenZen alternatives · Forest alternatives · BePresent alternatives · Unrot alternatives · Brainrot alternatives · all screen time apps compared
Every minute off social media earns tokens — and you can bet a friend on who scrolls less.
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