The category leader against a puzzle gate.
SmartBlock vs Opal
Opal is the most-reviewed screen time app on the App Store, with 14,711 ratings at 4.6. It blocks apps on a schedule or in focus sessions and has a long feature list. SmartBlock is a smaller app with one idea: when you hit your limit, you solve a puzzle to carry on. Here is how the two compare.
Where SmartBlock wins
- Price. SmartBlock is £29.99 a year after a free week. Opal's yearly plan is £99.99, with monthly at £19.99.
- A puzzle instead of a lockout. You keep control, and you get some brain training each time instead of a wall.
- Your data stays on your phone. There is no account and nothing to sync.
- Built and supported by one named developer who reads every support email.
Where Opal wins
- Proof. 14,711 ratings versus SmartBlock's 5. Opal has been around far longer and has many more users.
- Breadth. Focus sessions, stricter lock modes and a list of 20-plus features. SmartBlock does one thing.
- Localised into 10 languages. SmartBlock is English only.
- A free tier with more in it, if you only want basic app limits.
Side by side
| SmartBlock | Opal | |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanic | Block apps, solve a puzzle to continue | Scheduled blocks and focus sessions with lock modes |
| Yearly price | £29.99 / $29.99 | £99.99 (Opal Pro Yearly £79.99) |
| Monthly / weekly | Weekly £4.99 | Monthly £19.99, weekly £4.99 |
| Free trial | 7 days | Free tier with paid upgrade |
| App Store rating | 5.0 from 5 ratings (UK App Store) | 4.6 from 14,711 ratings |
| Brain training | 7 puzzle types | None |
| Your data | Stays on your phone, no account | See its App Store privacy labels |
| Languages | English | 10 |
Prices and ratings are from the UK and US App Store listings on 27 October 2026 and may have changed since.
Pick SmartBlock if
Pick SmartBlock if you want a cheaper, simpler blocker that makes you think instead of locking you out, and you care about your data staying on the phone.
Pick Opal if
Pick Opal if you want the biggest feature set and the reassurance of a huge user base.