AI · alternatives · 2026
24 alternatives to CTRL
The iOS app that helps you actually put your phone down
Below are 24 products that do a similar job, ranked by how close each is in meaning and then by launch-day votes.
- 1
Mom Clock▲742Hi HN, I’ve tried dozens of reminder and habit apps over the years. They’re all polite. Gentle. Easy to ignore. So I built something intentionally different. Mom Clock is a reminder app that behaves more like a strict parent than a productivity coach: – no snoozing – no “later” – optional app blocking using Screen Time APIs The idea came from my own behavior: I don’t need motivation — I need enforcement. This is not for everyone. Some people hate it. Some people love it. I’m genuinely curious where HN stands on this tradeoff: comfort vs. effectiveness. Happy to answer questions about: –…
Jan 2026 · momclock.com · its alternatives →
- 2
AppBlock▲87Block apps with one tap and stay focused when it matters
2022 · appblock.app · its alternatives →
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Escape▲665Track all your unnecessary trips to distracting websites
2016 · focuslist.co · its alternatives →
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Shutout▲406Lock yourself out of Screen Time & stop doomscrolling.
2024 · shutout.app · its alternatives →
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Barrier▲373Stop doomscrolling by blocking your addictive apps!
2025 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
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AppBlocker▲73Increase productivity and reduce screen time
2022 · play.google.com · its alternatives →
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Set time or locations to block distractions from apps.
2018 · play.google.com · its alternatives →
- 11
Amine▲151Prevents from switching 100s of Tabs and Controls Hardware
2024 · datavorous.github.io · its alternatives →
- 12
Block distractions to eliminate wasteful browsing habits
2017 · selfcontrol.apki.io · its alternatives →
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Grace for iOS 16▲116New lock screen widgets and Shortcuts for productive parents
2022 · grace-app.com · its alternatives →
- 16
ScreenBreak▲125Hi HN, I built ScreenBreak after realizing that most app blockers failed in practice. “Hard blocks” were too rigid — I either locked myself out entirely or tapped Ignore Limit and kept scrolling. There was no useful middle state. In reality, people still need to open apps like TikTok or Instagram for specific tasks: looking something up, replying to someone, checking updates, etc. The problem isn’t intentional use; it’s the unplanned, unconscious scrolling that follows. I wanted a system that interrupts the impulse without fully preventing access. ScreenBreak uses soft blocking plus…
Dec 2025 · screenbreak.app · its alternatives →
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keepOFF▲66Enhance focus & relieve your anxiety with this timer app
2021 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
- 18
Block apps and set focus timers to help iPhone addiction.
2024 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
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One.do▲99Instead of cluttered lists, focus on the one thing
2020 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
- 20
Timer to block apps and use todo list.
2025 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
- 21
Howdy, gang; After almost two weeks of sitting in Apple's approval queue, my new app Timebar is finally available. I think it has a pretty innovative UI feature, so I wanted to float it by Hacker News. It's a timer app that turns your Mac's menu bar into a sort of virtual hourglass. Your menu bar starts out tinted blue (or whatever colour you pick) and it slowly drains from right-to-left until your time is up. It works very well for situations where you want to keep track of time, but don't need to be super precise. The menu bar is easy to glance up at, and it doesn't take long to happen…
2013 · whimsicalifornia.com · its alternatives →
- 22SH
2011 · therealfocusapp.com · its alternatives →
- 23
Free mac menubar app for getting things done
2018 · its alternatives →
- 24
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Ranked by how close each launch is in meaning, then by votes. Prices were read from each product’s own site when checked and can change. Refine with your own description →