{"name":"Journal Lock App Blocker Comparison Dataset","reviewedAt":"2026-08-18","disclosure":"Journal Lock publishes this dataset and has a commercial interest in recommendations involving Journal Lock.","scale":"Capability scores use a 0-to-5 editorial scale described on the App Blocker Finder page.","products":[{"slug":"journal-lock","name":"Journal Lock","bestFor":"Journaling before scrolling","summary":"Shields selected apps until you complete the writing goal you chose.","platforms":["ios","mac"],"price":"Free trial; optional subscription","sourceUrl":"https://apps.apple.com/us/app/journal-lock-focus-detox/id6759090015","capabilities":{"journaling":5,"free":1,"crossDevice":2,"mindfulPause":4,"analytics":2,"strict":4},"tradeoffs":["Best when journaling is the desired replacement habit","Currently narrower platform support than general blockers"]},{"slug":"screenzen","name":"ScreenZen","bestFor":"Free, flexible screen-time controls","summary":"Uses schedules, delays, daily limits, allowed unlocks, and lock protections.","platforms":["ios","mac","windows","android"],"price":"Free; donation-supported","sourceUrl":"https://screenzen.co/","capabilities":{"journaling":0,"free":5,"crossDevice":4,"mindfulPause":4,"analytics":3,"strict":4},"tradeoffs":["Excellent free option","Requires a separate journal and does not verify that you wrote"]},{"slug":"freedom","name":"Freedom","bestFor":"Synchronized focus across devices","summary":"Blocks apps, websites, or the internet in scheduled sessions across phones and computers.","platforms":["ios","mac","windows","android"],"price":"Limited free tier; Premium listed at $39.99/year","sourceUrl":"https://freedom.to/","capabilities":{"journaling":0,"free":2,"crossDevice":5,"mindfulPause":1,"analytics":2,"strict":5},"tradeoffs":["Strongest cross-device session blocking","No built-in journal; elapsed time ends the session"]},{"slug":"one-sec","name":"one sec","bestFor":"Interrupting automatic app opens","summary":"Adds a mindful pause before distracting apps and supports customizable interventions.","platforms":["ios","android","mac","windows"],"price":"Free for limited use; Pro options available","sourceUrl":"https://one-sec.app/","capabilities":{"journaling":2,"free":3,"crossDevice":4,"mindfulPause":5,"analytics":3,"strict":3},"tradeoffs":["Strong behavior-level interruption","Journaling is available but not the central unlock system"]},{"slug":"opal","name":"Opal","bestFor":"Detailed screen-time analytics and rules","summary":"Combines blocking rules, focus timers, open limits, scores, and historical reports.","platforms":["ios","android","mac"],"price":"Free tier; Pro listed at $99.99/year","sourceUrl":"https://opalapp.com/pricing","capabilities":{"journaling":0,"free":2,"crossDevice":4,"mindfulPause":3,"analytics":5,"strict":5},"tradeoffs":["Rich analytics and strict Pro controls","No journal; full Pro costs more than several alternatives"]}]}