A calmer ScreenZen alternative.
ScreenZen is a great free way to add friction before apps. Polanthos shares that goal but keeps things minimal and warm — one breath, one clear choice, and a gentle redirect when you need somewhere better to land.
Polanthos vs ScreenZen
Both are free, both add friction before distracting apps. The difference is the feel: Polanthos is built to be quiet, simple, and gentle.
| Polanthos | ScreenZen | |
|---|---|---|
| Free to download | Yes | Yes |
| Pause / friction before apps | Yes | Yes |
| Redirect after the pause | Yes — todo / journal | Limited |
| Design focus | Calm & minimal | Highly configurable |
| Setup complexity | Minimal | More options to tune |
| No ads, no feed | Yes | Yes |
| Platform | iPhone | iPhone / Android |
Comparison reflects general product positioning as of 2026. ScreenZen's features may change — check its App Store listing for the latest.
Why choose Polanthos over ScreenZen
ScreenZen is powerful and endlessly configurable, which a lot of people love. But that flexibility can also be a reason to look elsewhere — sometimes you don't want to tune settings, you just want the app to pause you and get out of the way.
Polanthos takes the opinionated route. There's essentially one job: create one calm moment before a distracting app, then help you choose.
Minimal by design
Pick the apps that pull you in. That's most of the setup. The pause is full-screen and calm — no menus to wrestle, no settings to second-guess.
The pause leads somewhere
After your breath, you can continue intentionally, close the app, or redirect to a small todo or journal note. The friction isn't just a speed bump — it's a doorway to a better next action.
Same price, different feel
Both apps are free. If ScreenZen felt like too many knobs, Polanthos is the calm, minimal version of the same idea. Explore more in our best pause apps roundup or the full alternatives comparison.
ScreenZen alternative FAQ
What is a good ScreenZen alternative for iPhone?
Polanthos is a free mindful app blocker that adds a calm pause before distracting apps and a redirect step, with a deliberately simple setup.
How is Polanthos different from ScreenZen?
Both add friction before distracting apps. Polanthos keeps the experience minimal and calm, and pairs the pause with a gentle redirect to a small todo or journal note.
Is Polanthos free like ScreenZen?
Yes. Polanthos is free to download on the App Store, with no ads and no social feed.
Does Polanthos have as many settings as ScreenZen?
No — and that's intentional. Polanthos favors a simple, calm experience over deep configuration.
The simple, calm one.
Pick your apps, get your pause, reclaim your attention. Free, no setup maze.