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ScreenZen
Sonoma, California, United States
What it is
ScreenZen is a digital-wellbeing app for reducing time spent on distracting apps and websites. Choose what to block, set daily limits, or schedule focus periods, then track progress and use apps more mindfully. Its lock mode helps guard against common workarounds and can prevent the app from being uninstalled. The core app is free and runs on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows without an account. The maker says its core settings and blocking data stay on the device and that the core app collects no personally identifiable information. Optional social-accountability features and Halo may store account details and selected usage or Halo data in Google Firebase and cloud storage. Halo uses Bluetooth to block selected apps and websites inside a chosen physical boundary, with custom schedules and an adjustable radius up to 50 ft. It supports unlimited phones and tablets running iOS 16.4+ or Android 12.0+. Halo costs $49, paid once; managing it requires an account. ScreenZen's terms require users to be at least 13 and say the tool is not medical or mental-health advice.
For and against
For
- Free core app across Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows
- Choose apps and websites to block
- Daily limits and recurring focus schedules
- Lock mode can prevent uninstalling
- Halo supports unlimited compatible devices
Against
- Halo costs $49, paid once
- Halo requires an account to manage devices and users
- Halo requires iOS 16.4+ or Android 12.0+
- Terms require users to be at least 13
The verdict
ScreenZen combines flexible blocking and scheduling with progress tracking, and its core app does not require an account. Halo adds boundary-based blocking, but it has a separate cost and account requirement.
Who it suits
ScreenZen suits people who want app and website limits, scheduled focus periods, or progress tracking across supported devices. Halo may suit people who want location-bound blocking for compatible phones and tablets.
Plans and prices
ScreenZen app
Core app is free; optional donations support the project
Read 3 Oct 2026 · screenzen.co
halo
US shipping only · 1 halo · Free shipping · 30-day money-back guarantee
Read 3 Oct 2026 · screenzen.co
On the record
- Account requirement
- The core ScreenZen app does not require an account, while Halo requires an account to manage the device and add users.screenzen.co · read 3 Oct 2026
- Analytics
- ScreenZen says it may use self-hosted OpenPanel analytics and does not collect per-app usage or activity from apps users have not chosen to block.screenzen.co · read 3 Oct 2026
- App features
- Users can choose apps, set daily limits, schedule focus blocks, use apps mindfully, and track their progress.screenzen.co · read 3 Oct 2026
- Blocking controls
- Users choose which apps and websites to block and can use schedules or daily limits.screenzen.co · read 3 Oct 2026
- Halo
- Halo uses Bluetooth to block selected apps and websites when a device enters a chosen physical boundary.screenzen.co · read 3 Oct 2026
- Halo compatibility
- Halo works with unlimited phones and tablets running iOS 16.4+ or Android 12.0+.screenzen.co · read 3 Oct 2026
- Halo limits
- Halo has an adjustable radius up to 50 ft and supports custom schedules.screenzen.co · read 3 Oct 2026
- Lock mode
- Lock mode helps protect against common loopholes and can prevent uninstalling.screenzen.co · read 3 Oct 2026
- Optional data
- Optional social accountability and Halo features can store account details and selected usage or Halo data in Google Firebase and cloud storage.screenzen.co · read 3 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The maker says core app settings and blocking data are stored only on the device and that the core app collects no personally identifiable information.screenzen.co · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- ScreenZen blocks distracting apps and websites to help people reduce screen time.screenzen.co · read 3 Oct 2026
- Security reporting
- Potential Halo security issues can be reported in the app or by email; the stated acknowledgement target is within five business days.screenzen.co · read 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site lists [email protected] and invites users to join its Discord community.screenzen.co · read 3 Oct 2026
- Terms and audience
- The terms describe ScreenZen as a digital-wellbeing tool, require users to be at least 13, and state that it is not medical or mental-health advice.screenzen.co · read 3 Oct 2026
