Opal is one of the best-known screen time apps on iPhone, with a 4.7 rating, Editors' Choice and a polished blocking experience. If all you want is a strong blocker, it's a good pick. ARCO is built for a different job: planning your day and protecting it, in one place.
At a glance
| Opal | ||
|---|---|---|
| Blocks chosen apps | Yes | Yes |
| Scheduled blocking | Blocked Hours, several windows | Yes (3 recurring free, unlimited on Pro) |
| Focus sessions | Yes, with counted breaks | Yes |
| Can't-end-early mode | Strict mode | Deep Focus (Pro) |
| Day planner / timeline | Yes | No |
| Habits & streaks | Yes | Focus streaks |
| Wake-up alarms | Yes | No |
| Widgets | Timeline, tasks, habits, screen time | Yes |
| Platforms | iPhone | iPhone, Mac, Android |
| Price | 14 days free, then one subscription | Free tier; Pro subscription |
Details about other apps come from their App Store listings and help pages as of October 2026 and may change. Check the App Store for current prices in your country.
Where Opal is stronger
- Blocking depth: Allow Lists, long sessions (Opal mentions up to 14 days) and "always on" blocking.
- Gamification: Focus Score, milestones and leaderboards, if that motivates you.
- More platforms: Opal has a Mac app and an Android app.
- A free tier: unlimited on-demand sessions and a few recurring ones without paying.
Where ARCO is different
- A day planner, not just a blocker: tasks, habits and events sit on a timeline with a NOW line. Blocking is part of the plan, not a separate app.
- Habits with timers and streaks, including focus habits like Deep work 2h that start a blocking session.
- Wake-up alarms that ring like the Clock app's and open your day.
- Counted breaks: a set number of short breaks per window, then the block comes back on its own.
- One price for everything: after the free trial, one subscription unlocks every feature. No tiers.
Which one should you pick?
Pick Opal if you want the most powerful standalone blocker, use a Mac or Android too, or want a free tier to live on.
Pick ARCO if you're also trying to plan your days and keep habits, and want the blocking to follow that plan: shut during your deep work block, open at lunch, shut again at 22:30.
New to blocking? Start with how to block apps during work hours.