Apps like one sec, Opal & ScreenZen — compared.
If you're searching for a calmer way to cut screen time, you've probably seen one sec, Opal, and ScreenZen. Here's an honest comparison — and why a free, gentle pause-before-you-scroll app might be all you actually need.
Screen time apps at a glance
Every app here can help you use your phone with more intention. They simply take different approaches — from gentle pauses to strict blocking and gamified focus sessions.
| Polanthos | one sec | Opal | ScreenZen | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core approach | Mindful pause before apps open | Pause / breathing delay | Focus sessions & blocking | Friction & blocking |
| Free to download | Yes | Free + paid plans | Free + paid plans | Yes |
| Gentle, shame-free design | Yes | Mostly | Gamified | Configurable |
| No ads | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| No social feed / leaderboards | Yes | Yes | Has social features | Yes |
| Redirect to a better action | Yes | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Platform | iPhone | iPhone / Android | iPhone / Android | iPhone / Android |
Comparison reflects general product positioning as of 2026 and is provided to help you choose. Features and pricing of other apps may change — always check each app's current listing.
Compare Polanthos to each app
Want the detail? We wrote a focused comparison for each one.
How to choose a screen time app
The best screen time app is the one you'll actually keep open. Most people don't quit because an app is too weak — they quit because it feels like punishment. A wall of charts, a guilt-trip every evening, or a hard block that you just disable in a moment of frustration.
That's the idea behind Polanthos. Instead of reporting your screen time after it's gone, or slamming a door you'll learn to resent, it adds one calm breath at the exact moment you reach for a distracting app. You see your intention, take a beat, and choose: continue on purpose, close the app, or redirect to something small you actually meant to do.
If you want the gentlest option
Choose a pause-first app. Both one sec and Polanthos add a delay before apps open. Polanthos is free to download and adds a redirect step, so the pause leads somewhere.
If you tried strict blocking and bounced off it
Hard blockers like Opal work for some people, but many find them too rigid. A gentle pause keeps you in control while still breaking autopilot.
If you want free and simple
Both ScreenZen and Polanthos are free. Polanthos keeps the setup minimal — pick your apps, get your pause, done.
Common questions
What is the best free alternative to one sec, Opal, and ScreenZen?
Polanthos is a free mindful app blocker for iPhone that adds a calm pause before distracting apps open. It's free to download with no ads, no social feed, and no shame-based dashboards.
Is there a free alternative to Opal?
Yes — Polanthos and ScreenZen are both free. Polanthos focuses specifically on a mindful pause before distracting apps, which is the core of what most people want from Opal.
Which screen time app is the least strict?
Polanthos is built to be gentle rather than punishing. It never shames you — it simply creates space before the choice so you can decide with intention.
Do I need to pay to reduce my screen time?
No. Polanthos is free to download on the App Store. You can start pausing before TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube today without a subscription.
The calmest one is free.
Pick the app that pulls you in most, add one breath, and reclaim your attention. No ads, no feed, no shame.