The free one sec alternative for iPhone.
Love the idea of pausing before you open an app, but want it free, gentle, and a little smarter? Polanthos adds one calm breath before distracting apps — then helps you redirect to what you actually meant to do.
Polanthos vs one sec
one sec popularized the pause-before-you-scroll idea, and it's a great app. Polanthos takes the same core idea and keeps it free and gentle.
| Polanthos | one sec | |
|---|---|---|
| Pause before apps open | Yes | Yes |
| Free to download | Yes | Free + paid plans |
| Redirect after the pause | Yes — todo / journal | Limited |
| Gentle, shame-free design | Yes | Yes |
| No ads, no social feed | Yes | Yes |
| Setup | Pick apps, get your pause | Uses Shortcuts automations |
| Platform | iPhone | iPhone / Android |
Comparison reflects general product positioning as of 2026. one sec's features and pricing may change — check its App Store listing for the latest.
Why people look for a one sec alternative
one sec is excellent at one thing: it makes you take a breath before a distracting app opens. People go looking for an alternative for a few reasons — they want a free option, a simpler setup that doesn't rely on building Shortcuts automations, or a pause that leads somewhere instead of just ending.
Polanthos was built around that last part. The pause is only half the moment. The other half is what you do with the space it creates.
The pause, then a real choice
When you open a protected app, Polanthos shows a full-screen, calm intervention. You take one breath. Then you decide:
- Continue — on purpose, because you meant to.
- Close — the impulse passed, and that's a win.
- Redirect — jump to a small todo or journal note you actually care about.
Free, with no catch
Polanthos is free to download on the App Store. No ads, no engagement bait, no public streaks or leaderboards. It's a quiet tool, not another feed.
Made for the same problem
If one sec spoke to you but the price or the Shortcuts setup didn't, Polanthos is the gentlest way to get the same pause. Use it as a TikTok blocker, Instagram blocker, or for any app that pulls you in.
one sec alternative FAQ
Is there a free alternative to one sec?
Yes. Polanthos is free to download on the App Store. It adds a calm pause before distracting apps open, much like one sec, with no ads and no social feed.
How is Polanthos different from one sec?
Both add a pause before apps. Polanthos pairs the pause with a redirect step — after the breath you can continue, close, or jump to a small todo or journal note — and it's free.
Do I need Shortcuts to use Polanthos?
No. You just pick the apps that pull you in and Polanthos handles the pause. No automation building required.
Does Polanthos work on Android?
Polanthos is currently an iPhone app. one sec offers Android, so if you're on Android that may be a better fit today.
Pause before you scroll — for free.
Start with the app that pulls you in most. One breath, one real choice, no subscription.