The best free Opal alternatives on iPhone are AppBlocker, which offers scheduled blocks, a manual block and Doomscroll Protection with no subscription, and ScreenZen, which is completely free and adds a pause before apps open. Opal Pro costs $99.99 per year or $19.99 per month, so if you only need straightforward blocking, one of these or Apple’s built-in Screen Time can cover it at no cost.
Why people look for an Opal alternative
Opal’s free tier includes app blocking with one rule. Unlimited rules, Hard Mode and score history sit in Opal Pro, which is $99.99 per year or $19.99 per month. If one rule isn’t enough and the subscription doesn’t fit your budget, it makes sense to look at what else does the job.
Opal alternatives compared
| App | Price | What you get free | Closest to Opal if you want |
|---|---|---|---|
| AppBlocker | Free, supported by ads | Scheduled blocks, manual block, Doomscroll Protection, screen-time stats | Several blocked apps on a schedule without paying |
| ScreenZen | Completely free, optional donations | Pause and prompt before opening, optional daily open limits | Fewer mindless opens rather than a hard wall |
| One Sec | Free for one app. Pro about $20/year in the US | A breathing pause before one chosen app | A gentle nudge on your worst app |
| Freedom | Free plan. Premium $39.99/year | Custom blocklists and cross-device sync, no scheduling or Locked Mode | Blocking that covers your laptop as well as your phone |
| Apple Screen Time | Free, built into iOS | App Limits and Downtime | A basic block without installing anything |
| Opal (for reference) | Free tier. Pro $99.99/year or $19.99/month | App blocking with one rule | Unlimited rules, Hard Mode and score history |
The alternatives, briefly
AppBlocker
Disclosure: this one is mine. You pick apps, set the hours they stay shut or use a manual block you switch off deliberately, and Doomscroll Protection stops you after 15 minutes in the apps you mark as time sinks. It has screen-time stats, no sign-up and no server, and it costs nothing because it shows ads. It is on iPhone and Android.
ScreenZen
ScreenZen is completely free, with no premium tier or in-app purchases, and runs on optional donations. Rather than a strict wall, it slows you down with a short pause and a prompt, plus optional limits on daily opens. It suits people whose problem is opening apps on reflex.
One Sec
One Sec asks you to take a breath before a chosen app opens. It is free for one app, and Pro adds unlimited apps and more intervention types for about $20 per year in the US, well under Opal Pro’s price.
Freedom
Freedom’s free plan includes custom blocklists and sync across iPhone, Mac, Windows and browsers. Scheduling and Locked Mode need Premium at $39.99 per year. It is the pick if your distraction moves to your computer whenever your phone is blocked.
Apple Screen Time
Already on your iPhone and free. App Limits and Downtime can block apps, though a limit can be ignored with a tap unless a Screen Time passcode is set. Our step-by-step guide to blocking apps on iPhone walks through the setup.
When Opal is still the better choice
If you want Hard Mode, many separate rules, score history and gamified streaks in one polished app, Opal Pro gives you all of that together, and none of the free options above matches it feature for feature. If the price works for you and those features are what keep you on track, staying with Opal is a reasonable call.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free version of Opal?
Yes. Opal has a free tier that includes app blocking with one rule. Unlimited rules, Hard Mode and score history require Opal Pro.
How much does Opal Pro cost?
Opal Pro is $99.99 per year or $19.99 per month.
What is the best free alternative to Opal?
For hard blocking on a schedule, AppBlocker is free with no subscription and supported by ads. For a pause before apps open instead of a wall, ScreenZen is completely free.
Is there an Opal alternative that also works on a computer?
Freedom blocks across iPhone, Mac, Windows and browsers. Its free plan includes custom blocklists and cross-device sync, and Premium adds scheduling and Locked Mode for $39.99 per year.
Can Apple’s Screen Time replace Opal?
For basic blocking, often yes. App Limits and Downtime are free and built in, but a limit can be ignored with a tap unless a Screen Time passcode is set.
Blocking without the subscription
AppBlocker gives you scheduled blocks, a manual block and Doomscroll Protection for free. On-device, no sign-up, iPhone and Android.
Get AppBlocker, free Get it on Google Play