Looking for an Opal alternative? Here's an honest comparison.
Opal is one of the most popular screen time apps, with sessions, leaderboards and rewards. FocusPass takes a quieter approach: apps stay blocked until you deliberately take a short Pass. Take the quiz to see which suits you.
Which one fits you? 4 quick questions
Opal vs FocusPass at a glance
| Opal | FocusPass | |
|---|---|---|
| Core idea | Focus sessions, app limits and blocking, with gamified motivation | Apps stay protected; you request a short timed Pass when you need one |
| Motivation style | Leaderboards, rewards, real-time data | Calm and private: Focus Saves and a Go Back button |
| Uses Apple Screen Time | Yes | Yes, Apple's own picker and native shield |
| Account | Listed features include sharing and sync | No account |
| Ads and analytics | See its listing | No ads, no analytics SDKs |
| Price to start | Free download, paid Pro | Free forever tier, optional Pro |
| App Store ratings | 4.7 from about 91,000 ratings | New, not many ratings yet |
Facts from each app's App Store listing, November 2026. FocusPass is made by Honest Little Apps, the studio behind this page.
Two ways to cut screen time
Most screen time apps work like a gym: sessions, goals and scores. That suits people who are motivated by progress. Others find the score becomes one more thing to check. A default-closed approach flips it: the apps stay protected, and you open one only on purpose, for a set number of minutes.
Whichever you choose, the research-backed basics are the same: make the distracting apps a little harder to open, keep your phone out of reach during focused work, and decide in advance what you will check and when.
FocusPass: App Blocker protects the apps you choose with Apple's own Screen Time shield and lets you take a short, timed Pass when you really need one. When the Pass ends, the app locks again. No account, no ads. Free tier forever.
Free on the App StoreQuestions
What is a good Opal alternative?
It depends on what you like about Opal. If you want gamified sessions, Opal is hard to beat. If you want apps blocked by default with a deliberate, timed way in, FocusPass is built for that.
Does FocusPass use Apple Screen Time?
Yes. You pick apps, categories or websites with Apple's own Screen Time picker, and opening one shows a native shield.
Is FocusPass free?
Yes. The free tier stays useful forever, including native shields, Go Back and Focus Saves. Pro is optional.
Can I use both?
You can, but two blockers on the same apps can get confusing. Try one for a week first.
Where did these comparison facts come from?
From each app's App Store listing in November 2026. Features and prices change, so check the listing before you decide.
Updated November 11, 2026.
- Phone Check Pattern Finder: Spot Your Busiest HourTurn a one-day phone-check log into an hourly chart and a busiest 60-minute window. Find a specific moment to try an app-blocking rule.
- Am I addicted to my phone? 60-second testTwelve honest questions, about a minute, and a score out of 36 that shows how strong your phone’s pull is, which habits drive it, and one fix for each.
- Phone-down pact link for two or moreAgree a no-phone stretch with a friend, partner or study group. Set the time and the stakes, send one link, and each phone runs the timer.