Opal vs Roots
Opal
opalapp.comRoots
getroots.appSide by side
| Figure | Opal | Roots |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $8.29/mo | $5/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 10 | 3 |
| Spec score · Screen Time Management Apps | 8.9 (#2) | 7.7 (#20) |
| Privacy | Opal states that detailed app-usage data processed through iOS Screen Time and Android Accessibility Service and Usage Stats remains on the device. | 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 | Opal says it protects focus automatically and helps people make technology work for them. | Roots describes itself as a screen-time app that helps people set phone boundaries and make more time for offline activities. |
| Support | Opal offers in-app support chat with a chatbot and says its human support team aims to reply within two business days. | Roots links to an Intercom Help Center with articles covering usage, troubleshooting, and billing and subscriptions. |
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
Roots
- Roots Plus (Monthly)$9.99 a month
- Roots Plus (Yearly)$59.99 a year
- Roots FreePrice not published
In their own words
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.
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.