AppBlock vs Opal
AppBlock
appblock.app
Opal
opalapp.comSide by side
| Figure | AppBlock | Opal |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $8.29/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 10 |
| Spec score · Distraction Blocking Software | 8.2 (#6) | 8.7 (#2) |
| Spec score · Screen Time Management Apps | 8.2 (#9) | 8.9 (#2) |
| Spec score · Focus Tools | 8.2 (#7) | 8.7 (#3) |
| Privacy | The privacy policy says core blocking, configured rules, screen content read for blocking, and detailed usage statistics are processed locally and are not accessible to the operator, subject to stated exceptions. | Opal states that detailed app-usage data processed through iOS Screen Time and Android Accessibility Service and Usage Stats remains on the device. |
| Purpose | AppBlock helps manage screen time and block distracting apps, websites, URLs, and keywords. | Opal says it protects focus automatically and helps people make technology work for them. |
| Support | The site links to Android, iOS, and extension help pages, contact support, and feature requests, and invites users to join its Discord community. | Opal offers in-app support chat with a chatbot and says its human support team aims to reply within two business days. |
Plans
Opal
- FreeFree
- Opal FreeFree
- Opal Pro Yearly$8.29 a month
- Pro Yearly$8.29 a month
- Pro Weekly$9.99 a month
- Opal Pro Monthly$19.99 a month
- Pro Monthly$19.99 a month
- Lifetime$399, paid once
- Opal Pro Lifetime$399, paid once
- Teams ProPriced on request
In their own words
AppBlock
AppBlock helps manage screen time by blocking distracting apps, websites, URLs, and keywords. Users can create profiles that start automatically by time, day, location, or connected Wi-Fi. Strict Mode makes blocks harder to bypass and includes Cooldown and third-party approval options. Usage limits, app and website tracking, and reports show screen-time habits over time. Allowlist Mode blocks everything except selected essential apps. The iOS feature list includes schedules, Strict Mode, Quick Block, Allowlist, approval access, and Pomodoro sessions. Extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Brave offer Quick Block and scheduled website blocking. The maker presents uses for work, students, parents, ADHD, mental health, and well-being. Its privacy policy says core blocking rules, screen content read for blocking, and detailed usage statistics are processed locally, subject to stated exceptions. Installed-app package names are sent to servers for category-based blocking, and backups upload blocking configuration when that feature is used. The Free plan costs nothing and has platform-specific limits; a 7-day trial is listed.
Opal
Opal is a focus app for iOS, Android, and macOS that blocks apps selected by the user. Focus Rules set what to block, and the Focus Timer lets users choose a focus task and duration for a locked session. Opal Score combines sleep, focus, and rest signals into a measure of how technology aligns with wellbeing; Focus Gems mark focus milestones. The free plan includes one rule, basic timers and soundscapes, app blocking, and Opal Score for the current day. Pro adds Hard Mode, unlimited rules, advanced timers and soundscapes, Allow Only, and Opal Score history. Opal Pro Yearly costs $8.29 per month, billed $99.99 annually; Opal Pro Monthly costs $19.99 per month, billed $239 annually. A lifetime plan costs $399.00 per once, and a 7-day trial is available. Opal says detailed app-usage data processed through iOS Screen Time and Android Accessibility Service and Usage Stats stays on the device. It also collects contact information and user identifiers, unlinked usage and diagnostic data, and optional social data.