Opal is a polished focus blocker — but at around $99.99/year it's one of the priciest in the category, and its friend features are passive. Here are five apps people switch to, honestly compared: one is ours (bias disclosed), the rest we recommend on their merits.
Around $99.99/year is the top of the category. Several strong options below are free or a fraction of that.
Opal's social features are passive — you can see stats, but there's nothing to compete over or win.
Hard blocking works until the day you delete the blocker. Some people do better with rewards than walls.
our app — bias disclosed, judge accordingly
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 gentle pause and autonomy rather than hard blocking
Adds a deep-breath pause before each app opens, then asks if you still want to continue — friction, not blocking.
people who want elegant, native blocking with light social sharing
Rules, a strict mode, and 'squads' where you share your screen-time numbers — deeply iOS-native and design-forward.
people who like a physical, deliberate ritual to go offline
A physical NFC tag you tap to toggle your phone into a blocked, stripped-down mode and back.
| Opal | Pauza | |
|---|---|---|
| Core approach | Scheduled focus sessions and Deep Focus that block chosen apps with no bypass, plus a focus score and analytics. | 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 $99.99/year (a free tier exists with limited features) | free core app; optional PRO tier |
| Social layer | friend features are passive — you can see stats, but there's nothing to compete over | real head-to-head stakes with friends — lowest screen time wins the pot (tokens only, no cash value) |
| When you slip | Deep Focus sessions can't be bypassed — the block simply holds | streaks freeze instead of breaking; a lost bet costs tokens, never money |
| Privacy | usage analytics processed by the app | per-app usage and your blocked-apps list never leave the device; friends only see an anonymous daily minute total |
| Platform | iPhone (plus desktop tools) | iPhone only (iOS 26+) |
Full breakdown: Pauza vs Opal
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.
ScreenZen — open-delays, scroll interruptions and per-app goals, completely free with optional tips. Pauza's core (tracking, tokens, streaks, friend challenges) is also free on iOS 26+.
Yes — that's Pauza's whole model: every minute off social media earns tokens, builds streaks, and can be staked in head-to-head bets with a friend where the lowest screen time wins the pot. No hard blocking required (an optional Hard Mode exists).
ScreenZen blocks with delays for free. Jomo (~$29.99/year) is the closest like-for-like blocker at roughly a third of Opal's price. Prices are approximate — check the App Store.
More: one sec alternatives · ClearSpace alternatives · Jomo alternatives · Roots alternatives · ScreenZen alternatives · Forest 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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