ScreenZen

ScreenZen is a distraction blocker for apps and websites, built around schedules, daily limits and mindful use. It suits people who want cross-platform controls without creating an account for the core app. Its strongest distinction is the optional Halo device, which adds physical-boundary blocking but brings a separate purchase and account requirement.

Overview

ScreenZen lets users choose which apps and websites to block, then shape those restrictions around routines or daily usage limits. Progress tracking and mindful-use features make it more than an on-off blocker, while lock mode is intended to make common workarounds harder, including uninstalling the app. That combination is useful for people who want structure without turning every session into an all-or-nothing ban.

Halo takes a different approach: it uses Bluetooth to trigger blocking when a device enters a chosen physical boundary. That can suit routines tied to a place, but it is an add-on rather than part of the free core app, and its setup requires an account.

Key features

Scheduled and locked blocking

Users can block selected apps and websites with daily limits, recurring schedules and focus blocks. Lock mode can protect against common loopholes and prevent uninstalling, which makes ScreenZen a better fit for users who want their rules to hold during a session than for someone seeking only a usage dashboard.

Halo boundaries

Halo supports custom schedules and an adjustable Bluetooth boundary up to 50 ft. It works with unlimited iOS 16.4+ or Android 12.0+ phones and tablets. The unlimited-device compatibility is useful for households or people with several devices, though the boundary-based feature is tied to a separate paid Halo purchase.

Privacy and support

The maker says core settings and blocking data stay on the device, and that the core app collects no personally identifiable information. Optional social accountability and Halo features can store account details and selected usage or Halo data in Google Firebase and cloud storage. ScreenZen says it may use self-hosted OpenPanel analytics and does not collect per-app usage or activity from apps a user has not chosen to block. Potential Halo security issues can be reported in the app or by email, with an acknowledgement target of five business days. Support is also offered through [email protected] and Discord.

Pricing

The ScreenZen app is free at no cost, with optional donations supporting the project. There is no free trial because the core app is already free. This is the right starting point for anyone who wants app and website blocking, schedules, daily limits and locked sessions without paying or opening an account.

Halo costs $49, paid once, billed Pay once, use it forever. The purchase includes 1 halo, free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee; shipping is US only. Choose it only if physical-boundary blocking is worth the hardware purchase and Halo account. The core app does not require an account, but Halo requires one to manage the device and add users.

Platforms

The core app is available on Android, iOS, macOS and Windows, giving ScreenZen broader desktop coverage than a phone-only blocker. Halo compatibility is narrower: iOS 16.4+ and Android 12.0+ phones and tablets. ScreenZen’s terms require users to be at least 13 years old.

Who it's for

ScreenZen is a sensible choice for people who want customizable app and website restrictions across phone and desktop, particularly if they value a free core app and on-device settings. Halo may appeal to users who want blocking to respond to a physical location and are comfortable with its separate one-time hardware cost and account. It is not medical or mental-health advice, so it is not a substitute for professional care.

Pros and cons

• Pro: The free core app covers selected apps and websites, daily limits, recurring schedules and locked sessions, so users can build meaningful restrictions without a subscription.
• Pro: Android, iOS, macOS and Windows support makes it useful across mobile and desktop devices.
• Pro: The maker says core settings and blocking data remain on-device, with no personally identifiable information collected by the core app.
• Con: Halo is a separate 49.00 USD one-time purchase, and US-only shipping limits who can buy it.
• Con: Halo requires an account and compatible newer mobile operating systems, unlike the account-free core app.

Alternatives

For more options, browse Screen Time Management Apps or Distraction Blocking Software.

• Freedom is a better fit if multi-device sync and custom blocklists matter; its free plan also offers app, website or internet blocking with website exceptions, and it has a free trial.
• StayFree suits readers who want cross-device screen-time tracking and usage control in a free app, with support for browser extensions and Linux as well as mobile and desktop platforms.
• AppBlock is another freemium blocker for Android, iOS and browser extensions.
• one sec is worth considering for its intervention types and time tracking; its Pro plan costs $6.99 a month and includes website blocking and block sessions.
• Opal offers a free plan with one rule, basic timers and soundscapes, app blocking and a same-day Opal Score on iOS, Android and Mac.
• YourHour is a free-download option for Android and iOS, though its free version contains ads and in-app purchases.
• FocusMe may suit someone seeking a lifetime plan with core features; it costs 249.00 USD once and supports Android, browser extensions, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows.
• Lock Me Out is an Android-only alternative for readers who want to consider a platform-specific freemium option.

Verdict

Choose ScreenZen if you want free, configurable app and website blocking across mobile and desktop, with an account-free core app and controls that can resist common workarounds. Its main reason to look elsewhere is equally clear: Halo adds a compelling location-based option, but only through a separate hardware purchase, account and compatible mobile device.