How I Compare to Other Apps

Hey! There are lots of great screen time apps out there. Each one has its own vibe. Here's how I stack up—with no corporate speak, just honest comparisons.

What Makes Me Different?

While every app has its strengths, I combine a few things that make me unique:

Private & No Pressure

Your progress is yours, no leaderboards or social pressure. Just your growth, your way.

Integrated Habit Tracking

Check if you're hitting your goals over time. I combine real-time blocking with habit tracking, so you see how your behavior is actually changing—not just how much time you've blocked.

Detailed Analytics

Super easy analytics with small tidbits and easy facts, plus nerdy analytics if you really want to get down to the details. See what's working and where you're improving.

Different Types of Blocks

From soft blocks (easy to bypass) to hard blocks, app opens limits, time limits, and basic schedules. Lots of flexibility to find what works for you. (Note: Jomo and Opal also have similar blocking features—they're pretty cool too!)

Hazel vs. Opal

Real-time Blocking
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Customizable Friction
✅ Yes
⚠️ Fixed
Habit Tracking
✅ Yes
❌ No
Analytics
✅ Detailed
✅ Focus Score
Social Leaderboards
❌ No
✅ Yes

💡 Who Should Choose What?

  • Choose Opal if: You're motivated by social competition, want the strictest possible blocking (Deep Focus mode), and enjoy leaderboards.
  • Choose Hazel if: You want habit tracking integrated with blocking, prefer personalized friction, and value private motivation without social pressure.

Hazel vs. Freedom

Real-time Blocking
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Friction Layers
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Habit Tracking
✅ Yes
❌ No
Analytics
✅ Yes
❌ No
Cross-Device
❌ iOS only
✅ All platforms

💡 Who Should Choose What?

  • Choose Freedom if: You need comprehensive cross-device blocking (Mac, Windows, phone) and want to block distracting websites across all your devices.
  • Choose Hazel if: You want habit tracking integrated with real-time blocking, prefer an iOS-native experience, and value personalized insights over cross-platform support.

Hazel vs. One Sec

Real-time Blocking
✅ Yes
❌ No
Friction Layers
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Habit Tracking
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Analytics
✅ Detailed
⚠️ Limited
Daily Limits
✅ Yes
❌ No

💡 Who Should Choose What?

  • Choose One Sec if: You primarily want friction layers (delays before opening apps) and prefer a simpler, more minimal approach without comprehensive blocking features.
  • Choose Hazel if: You want a complete solution with real-time blocking, daily limits, custom schedules, and in-depth analytics alongside friction layers.

Hazel vs. Built-in iOS Screen Time

Real-time Blocking
✅ Yes
❌ No
Friction Layers
✅ Yes
❌ No
Habit Tracking
✅ Yes
❌ No
Usage Analytics
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Streak Tracking
✅ Yes
❌ No

💡 Who Should Choose What?

  • Use Built-in Screen Time if: You only need basic usage tracking and simple app limits, and you're satisfied with Apple's native interface without additional features.
  • Choose Hazel if: Built-in Screen Time shows you the problem but doesn't help you solve it. I add real-time blocking, intelligent friction layers, and actionable habit insights that help you actually change your behavior.

Final Thoughts

All these apps—Opal, Freedom, One Sec, and built-in Screen Time—are excellent tools with different strengths. Opal excels at social gamification and strict blocking. Freedom excels at cross-platform blocking. One Sec focuses on psychological pauses. Built-in Screen Time provides basic tracking.

I'm unique because I combine real-time blocking, customizable friction layers, integrated habit tracking, and personalized analytics in an iOS-native experience. If you want an all-in-one solution that helps you not just track but actually change your screen time habits through behavior science, I might be the right choice for you.