Updated November 15, 2026.
ScreenZen and Opal both cut the time you spend in distracting apps. ScreenZen puts a wait before an app opens, and the wait can grow each time you come back. Opal blocks apps for a session, on a schedule or once you reach a limit. Here's a side-by-side.
At a glance
- How it works. Opal: blocks the apps you choose during a Focus Session, on a schedule, or once a daily app limit runs out. ScreenZen: a delay before an app opens, which can get longer with each open, plus daily limits with optional blocking and open-count limits.
- Platforms. Opal: iPhone and iPad (App Store, iOS 18 or later) and Android (Google Play). ScreenZen: iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro on the App Store. Its site also lists Windows and Android.
- Price. Opal: free to download, with Opal PRO as an in-app purchase. Prices depend on your country. ScreenZen: free, with optional tips in the iOS app.
- Schedules. Opal: yes, on iPhone (Calendar) and Android (Schedules). ScreenZen: yes, rules by weekday and time.
- Can't-cancel mode. Opal: on iPhone, Deep Focus is a level you can't cancel or bypass. ScreenZen: a lock mode against common loopholes, and settings can be locked.
- Websites. Opal: on iPhone, you can block websites as well as apps. The Android listing doesn't mention websites. ScreenZen: custom and adult sites across browsers, per its iOS release notes.
- Reports. Opal: Focus Score and a Focus Report on iPhone; weekly reports on Android. ScreenZen: screen time for the apps you mark as distracting.
How they differ
Price. ScreenZen is free, funded by optional tips. Opal is free to download, with Opal PRO as an in-app purchase.
Friction or a lock. ScreenZen slows you down before an app opens. Opal's Rules block apps for the time you set. On iPhone, Opal's allowlist flips it around so only the apps you pick stay open.
Focus tracking. Opal gives you a Focus Score and Focus Report on iPhone and weekly reports on Android. ScreenZen tracks time on the apps you flagged.
When ScreenZen is the better pick
- You want a free tool and a delay is enough to break the habit.
- You use a Mac or Vision Pro.
When Opal is the better pick
- You want apps blocked on a schedule for work, study or sleep.
- You want a session you can't cancel (Deep Focus on iPhone).
- You want a daily Focus Score.
Try Opal
Opal is free to download on the App Store and Google Play, with Opal PRO as an in-app purchase. See plans and pricing.
Questions
Is ScreenZen free?
Yes. ScreenZen says it's completely free, with optional tips. Opal is free to download, with Opal PRO as an in-app purchase.
Does Opal work on Android?
Yes. Opal is on Google Play as well as the App Store.
Sources
Read November 15, 2026.
- ScreenZen on the App Store (US)
- ScreenZen website
Opal facts come from Opal's listings on the App Store and Google Play, read November 15, 2026.
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