Freedom vs Roots
Freedom
freedom.toRoots
getroots.appSide by side
| Figure | Freedom | Roots |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $3.33/mo | $5/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 4 | 3 |
| Spec score · Screen Time Management Apps | 9.2 (#1) | 7.7 (#20) |
| Integrations | The homepage describes exclusive focus audio tracks from Brain.fm as an included feature. | The maker’s FAQ says Roots uses Apple’s iOS Screen Time API. |
| Privacy | The company says desktop and mobile blocking runs locally and that browsing or app activity is not logged or transmitted by the blockers. | 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 | Freedom blocks distracting apps, websites, or the entire internet to help people focus. | Roots describes itself as a screen-time app that helps people set phone boundaries and make more time for offline activities. |
| Support | Users can contact support through the account messenger or email, and the help page describes an automated first response with an option to request a human agent. | Roots links to an Intercom Help Center with articles covering usage, troubleshooting, and billing and subscriptions. |
Plans
Freedom
- FreeFree
- Premium (monthly)$8.99 a month
- Premium (yearly)$40 a year
- Forever$99.50, paid once
Roots
- Roots Plus (Monthly)$9.99 a month
- Roots Plus (Yearly)$59.99 a year
- Roots FreePrice not published
In their own words
Freedom
Freedom blocks distracting apps, websites or internet access to help people focus. It supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web and Windows, with blocking sessions and schedules that sync across supported devices, including Chromebook. Users can set sessions in advance or have them recur automatically; Locked Mode prevents ending a session early. Website Exceptions let Mac and Windows users allow selected sites while blocking others, but are not supported on iOS, Android or Chromebook. Freedom also offers focus music and ambient sounds, including tracks from Brain.fm. The free plan includes blocking, multi-device sync, custom blocklists and limited features. Premium adds scheduling, advance and recurring sessions, Locked Mode, unlimited sessions and partner perks. Premium costs $3.33 per year when billed yearly or $8.99 per month; a Forever option is $99.50 as a one-time payment. A 7-day trial is listed. Freedom says it does not track browsing, app usage or personal activity.
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.