Focusly vs Roots
Focusly
focusly.soRoots
getroots.appSide by side
| Figure | Focusly | Roots |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $5/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · Screen Time Management Apps | 8.6 (#4) | 7.7 (#20) |
| Blocking | Focusly provides soft warnings and optional hard termination, with one-click overrides available. | Roots offers app and website blocking through limits, scheduled downtime, and a stricter Monk Mode. |
| Integrations | No third-party integrations are listed on the product homepage. | The maker’s FAQ says Roots uses Apple’s iOS Screen Time API. |
| Privacy | The maker says there is no account system, cloud sync, analytics, telemetry or phone-home behavior. | Roots says it uses Apple’s iOS Screen Time API so app usage and browsing data stays on the device and is not visible to Roots. |
| Purpose | Focusly tracks application and website time, supports daily limits, runs focus sessions, and blocks distracting sites. | Roots describes itself as a screen-time app that helps people set phone boundaries and make more time for offline activities. |
| Support | Users are directed to GitHub Issues for bugs and [email protected] for private questions. | Roots links to an Intercom Help Center with articles covering usage, troubleshooting, and billing and subscriptions. |
Plans
Roots
- Roots Plus (Monthly)$9.99 a month
- Roots Plus (Yearly)$59.99 a year
- Roots FreePrice not published
In their own words
Roots
Roots is an iPhone screen-time app for setting phone boundaries and making more time for offline activities. It assigns a daily Balance Score based on phone use and visualizes progress over time. Users can block apps and websites with limits, scheduled downtime, or the stricter Monk Mode. Weekly reports and Digital Dopamine comparisons provide additional screen-time insights. Users can set goals for screen time and phone pickups, build streaks, and earn rewards. The Free plan includes a Balance Score, Scroll Replacements, Screen Time Insights, and two blockings. Roots Plus adds unlimited blockings and features including Monk Mode, Digital Dopamine, Block now, Locked Editing, uninstall protection, App Groups, Streak Rewards, and Pauses. Plus costs $9.99 a month or $59.99 a year. A 7-day free trial is offered, and customers can request a full refund within 30 days of their first payment. Roots says it uses Apple's iOS Screen Time API, keeping app usage and browsing data on the device and out of the maker's view. The app is for iOS; the maker labels its Android app as coming soon.