one sec vs Roots
one sec
one-sec.appRoots
getroots.appSide by side
| Figure | one sec | Roots |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $1.67/mo | $5/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 6 | 3 |
| Spec score · Screen Time Management Apps | 8.4 (#7) | 7.7 (#20) |
| Blocking | Users can schedule block sessions so configured apps or websites cannot be opened during defined periods. | Roots offers app and website blocking through limits, scheduled downtime, and a stricter Monk Mode. |
| Headquarters | Barcelona, Spain | Atlanta |
| Integrations | Structured integration blocks distracting apps during unfinished tasks and can show upcoming tasks as healthy alternatives. | The maker’s FAQ says Roots uses Apple’s iOS Screen Time API. |
| Privacy | By default, user data remains offline; data is processed only when users choose features such as support contact, subscriptions, feedback, or iCloud sync. | 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 | one sec interrupts or blocks social media, apps, and websites to help users regain control of their time. | Roots describes itself as a screen-time app that helps people set phone boundaries and make more time for offline activities. |
| Support | Support is provided through help articles, tutorials, an ideas and bug-feedback board, and direct contact. | Roots links to an Intercom Help Center with articles covering usage, troubleshooting, and billing and subscriptions. |
Plans
one sec
- one sec pro$6.99 a month
- one sec pro Family Plan$9.99 a month
- one sec pro$19.99 a year
- one sec pro Family Plan$29.99 a year
- one sec pro$99.99, paid once
- one sec pro Family Lifetime$149, 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
one sec
one sec interrupts or blocks apps, social media, and websites to help users manage their time. Its customizable interventions can prompt breathing, reflection, phone rotation, or typing before a user continues. Scheduled block sessions can prevent selected apps or websites from opening during defined periods, while Healthy Alternatives can suggest activities such as journaling. Structured integrations can block distracting apps while tasks remain unfinished and show upcoming tasks as alternatives. The free version can target one app; Pro supports unlimited apps and adds intentional app switching, time tracking, website blocking, strict sessions, and other intervention types. A free LENGO integration requires a vocabulary exercise before social-media apps open. Browser extensions work with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and other major browsers. The same account can be used on iOS and Android alongside browser extensions on Windows, macOS, and Linux. The maker says intervention logic runs locally and user data stays offline by default. A free plan and seven-day trial are listed. Pro costs $6.99 a month, the family plan $9.99 a month, and family lifetime access $149, paid once.
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.