Jomo is probably the most design-forward blocker on iPhone: rules, a strict mode, and 'squads' where friends share their screen-time numbers, all built deeply on Apple's native frameworks. Pauza shares the social instinct but changes the currency — instead of showing friends your numbers, you stake tokens against them in a head-to-head bet where the lowest screen time wins the pot. Here's the honest comparison.
| Jomo | Pauza | |
|---|---|---|
| Core approach | Rules, a strict mode, and 'squads' where you share your screen-time numbers — deeply iOS-native and design-forward. | 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 $29.99/year | free core app; optional PRO tier |
| Social layer | squads share screen-time numbers — visibility, but nothing at stake between you | real head-to-head stakes with friends — lowest screen time wins the pot (tokens only, no cash value) |
| When you slip | strict mode holds the block during the periods you set | streaks freeze instead of breaking; a lost bet costs tokens, never money |
| Privacy | built on Apple's Screen Time framework; squad members see the numbers you share | 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+) |
pick Jomo if
- You want the most elegant, native-feeling blocker on iOS — Jomo's design is genuinely lovely.
- Light social pressure is enough: knowing your squad sees your numbers keeps you honest.
- You want flexible rules and a strict mode at a mid-range price (~$29.99/year).
pick Pauza if
- Sharing numbers isn't enough — you want something to actually win or lose against a friend.
- You're motivated by earning (tokens, streaks) rather than by restriction.
- You'd rather keep per-app data on your device — friends only ever see an anonymous daily total.
- You want the core experience free.
the honest verdict
Jomo and Pauza are closer in spirit than most pairs on this list — both believe friends matter and both feel native on iPhone. The fork is what the social layer does: Jomo squads share numbers, which works if visibility alone motivates you; Pauza turns the same comparison into a real bet with a token pot, which works if you need skin in the game. If you want a beautiful blocker with gentle accountability, pick Jomo. If watching numbers has never changed your behavior, you need stakes — that's Pauza.
full disclosure
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.
Pauza rewards you with tokens for every minute you spend off social media — and lets you bet a friend that you'll scroll less. Free on iPhone.
Get Pauza on iPhone
Leaving Jomo? See the full Jomo alternatives shortlist.
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