Opal alternatives: 6 apps like Opal, compared honestly

Opal is one of the best known screen time apps on iPhone, and plenty of people are happy with it. When people search for Opal alternatives, it is usually for one of three reasons: price, a focus on nights rather than work, or the device they use.

An Opal alternative is any app or tool that blocks or limits distracting apps in a different way, at a different price, or on different devices. Below, we start with what Opal does well, then compare six options fairly.

What does Opal do well?

Opal's App Store listing describes blocks at set times of day, daily app limits, and a Deep Focus level you can't cancel or bypass. It adds focus reports, a leaderboard to challenge friends, and breaks where you set an intention first. It holds an App Store Editors' Choice badge.¹

The listing also says Opal uses Apple's Screen Time API and that personal browsing data never leaves your device.¹ Opal's pricing page lists apps for iOS, Android and Mac, so it can cover your phone and your computer.²

How much does the Opal app cost?

Here is the Opal app price as shown on Opal's pricing page, checked September 2026, in US dollars:²

• Free plan: one rule for a schedule, time limit or open limit, basic timers, app blocking, and today's Opal Score.
• Opal Pro yearly: $99.99 billed each year, shown as $8.29 a month, with a free week.
• Opal Pro monthly: $19.99 a month, with a free three days.
• Opal Pro lifetime: $399 as a one time payment.

Pro adds Hard Mode, unlimited rules, advanced timers and Allow Only. The page also says students can get up to 50% off.² The App Store listing shows other in app purchase options too, including weekly plans, so the price you see in the app may differ.¹

Why do people look for an Opal alternative?

1. Price. $99.99 a year is a real cost, and some people only need a simple block.
2. Bedtime. Opal covers work hours, sleep and routines in one app, with a lot built around focus.¹ If your only problem is scrolling at night, you may want something narrower.
3. Platform. Opal's App Store listing says it is for iPhone only and needs iOS 18.0 or later.¹ If you use an iPad or an older version of iOS, you will need another option.

Opal alternatives at a glance

1. Apple Screen Time: the alternative already on your iPhone

Before paying for anything, try what you have. In iOS 27, Apple's Screen Time uses Schedules to set when apps are available and Time Allowances to set how long you can use categories like Social Media.³

The trade off is strictness. On iOS 26, where these were called Downtime and App Limits, Apple's guide says limits can be ignored by default unless you set a Screen Time passcode and turn on Block at Downtime.⁴

2. one sec: apps like Opal, but gentler

one sec's App Store listing says it delays access to distracting apps rather than blocking them outright, with a deep breath animation first. It is free for one app, with one sec pro for more.⁵ Its platforms page lists iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac and browser extensions.⁶

It suits you if a wall makes you rebel, but a pause makes you think.

3. ScreenZen: a free Opal alternative with lots of settings

ScreenZen's website says it is completely free, supported by donations, with apps for iOS, macOS, Windows and Android.⁷ Its App Store listing describes wait times that can grow with each open, daily goals with optional blocking, strict blocks, and locks on its own settings.⁸

It suits you if price is the main reason you are leaving Opal.

4. Brick: a physical key instead of a setting

Brick pairs an app with a small device. You pick the apps, then tap your phone on the Brick to start a session, and its site lists the device at $59.00.⁹ Its FAQ says ending a block needs a rescan of the device, with five Emergency Unbricks if you lose it.¹⁰

It suits you if you want to leave the off switch in another room.

5. Sunbreak: bedtime blocking with accountability

Sunbreak's website describes an iPhone app blocker built for sleep. Apps lock at bedtime and unlock at sunrise, and your accountability partners get an email if you break bedtime.¹¹ The App Store lists it as free with in app purchases, for iOS 17.0 or later.¹² We could not find a clearly published plan price.

It suits you if a friend knowing is what keeps you honest.

Is there an Opal alternative that's cheaper than Opal?

Yes, several. Apple Screen Time is included with your iPhone, ScreenZen says it is free, and one sec is free for one app. SETL's launch price is $39.99 a year or $5.99 a month, compared with $99.99 a year or $19.99 a month for Opal Pro. Opal's own free plan may also be enough if one rule covers what you need.²

For the full breakdown, see SETL vs Opal and our SETL pricing page. If you want a wider view, read our guide to the best screen time apps for iPhone.

Where SETL fits

SETL is an iPhone app blocker built bedtime first. With SETL Sleep, you set your bedtime once and your chosen apps are blocked every night, and SETL Plans let you book nights off in advance. It is iPhone only and on a waitlist ahead of launch, so if you need Android, Mac, a free plan or a lifetime licence, Opal or another option above may suit you better.

Opal is a trademark of Opal OS Corporation. SETL is not affiliated with Opal.