Snitch vs ScreenZen: Friction vs Friends (2026)
ScreenZen is a well-loved free app that adds a wait before distracting apps open. Snitch adds your friends. When a delay is enough, and when it isn't.
ScreenZen is a well-loved, free app that adds a wait before you can open distracting apps. Snitch adds your friends. Here’s how to choose.
The quick answer
- Pick ScreenZen if you want a free, private tool that slows down mindless opens.
- Pick Snitch if delays haven’t been enough and you want people involved.
Side by side
| ScreenZen | Snitch (ours) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | A wait before distracting apps open | Friends share a daily time pot |
| Who’s involved | Just you | You and up to 4 friends |
| Platforms | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android | iPhone, Android |
| Price | Free, supported by donations | Free plan blocks up to 2 apps; Premium from $2.99/mo (US) |
ScreenZen details from screenzen.co.
Where ScreenZen wins
It’s free, private and thoughtfully designed. For a lot of people, a few seconds’ wait is all it takes.
Where Snitch wins
Delays work until you get used to them. Then you wait the five seconds and scroll anyway. Snitch adds a cost you can’t wait out: your friends’ time, and your friends noticing.
Use them together
They do different jobs: ScreenZen to slow the mindless opens, Snitch to cap the day.