Find the fit for your day
A different way to step away from scrolling.
Compare Do Instead with five established screen time apps. Start with the job you need done: a usage limit, an interruption, a habit reward, or a task to return to.
Apple Reminders and the Shortcuts pause are free. Scheduled blocking and Todoist require Pro.
Choose a comparison.
Still building your shortlist? Read our 2026 guide to the best scroll-blocking apps for iPhone for six approaches, free options and a practical way to choose.
Opal vs Do Instead
Opal alternative
Compare usage limits and focus reports with Do Instead’s existing-task workflow.
Read the comparison →ScreenZen vs Do Instead
ScreenZen alternative
Compare ScreenZen’s free controls with a pause connected to your Reminders or Todoist.
Read the comparison →one sec vs Do Instead
one sec alternative
Compare interventions and Structured with Do Instead’s Reminders and Todoist connections.
Read the comparison →Jomo vs Do Instead
Jomo alternative
Compare habit-based rewards and unlock exercises with tasks and separate allowed times.
Read the comparison →Freedom vs Do Instead
Freedom alternative
Compare coordinated blocking across devices with Do Instead’s iPhone task workflow.
Read the comparison →How these five were chosen
We reviewed US App Store listings for apps that help adults manage their own distracting app use. This shortlist covers established products with different approaches: Opal’s rules and reports, ScreenZen’s free controls, one sec’s interventions, Jomo’s habit-based routines, and Freedom’s device coverage. It is an editorial shortlist, not the App Store’s top-five download ranking.
Each page is written by the maker of Do Instead, links to official sources, and explains when the other app may fit better. The comparisons were reviewed on 20 October 2026. We do not use customer complaints or untested effectiveness claims to rank the products.
A blocker or a feed remover?
Blocking an app, limiting its use, and removing just its scrolling feed are different jobs. Do Instead blocks selected apps with Pro or opens a task-focused pause through Shortcuts for free. It does not remove only Reels or a feed while leaving the rest of a social app available.
Make room for what you’d rather do
Give your next task a chance.
Connect Apple Reminders. Try the free pause. Decide what fits your day.
iPhone · iOS 17 or later. Apple Reminders and the Shortcuts pause are free. Scheduled blocking and Todoist require Pro.