Comparison
StretchLock vs ScreenZen
ScreenZen and StretchLock are both free-to-start, friction-based tools that sit between you and your most distracting apps. The difference is what happens in that moment of friction. Here's how they compare.
How they compare
| Feature | StretchLock | ScreenZen |
|---|---|---|
| Core idea | A stretch before distracting apps open | Friction and limits before distracting apps |
| Platforms | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| The interruption | A quick guided stretch | Breathing, delays, and usage limits |
| Targets physical health | Yes — posture and mobility | No — friction and limits only |
| Customisation | Focused and simple | Highly customisable |
| Price | Free to start | Free |
What ScreenZen is
ScreenZen is a well-liked, free app blocker that adds friction before you open distracting apps — a breathing screen, a short delay, session limits, and reminders. It's flexible and generous for a free tool, with lots of knobs to tune how and when apps interrupt you.
Where StretchLock stands out
StretchLock keeps the same friction principle but makes the interruption a quick stretch. Where ScreenZen aims purely at your attention and time, StretchLock aims at your body too — easing the neck, shoulder, and hip tension that builds from sitting and scrolling. It's a simpler, more focused experience, built around movement rather than configuration. There's more on the method in our guide to healthy phone habits.
Where ScreenZen is stronger
If you love customising exactly how each app is gated — different delays, limits, and breathing screens per app — ScreenZen offers more configuration than StretchLock, and it's completely free. For pure, highly tunable blocking at no cost, it's an excellent pick.
Pricing
Both are free to start, which makes this an easy comparison to test for yourself. ScreenZen is free with deep customisation; StretchLock is free to start with a movement-based pause. Try whichever approach — configuration or stretching — sounds more like the habit you'll actually keep.
Which should you choose?
Choose StretchLock if…
People who want a simple, free-to-start habit that breaks scrolling and eases the physical strain of screen time.
Get StretchLock →Choose ScreenZen if…
People who want a free, highly customisable app blocker with lots of friction and limit options.
Frequently asked questions
Is StretchLock better than ScreenZen?
It depends what you want. ScreenZen offers more blocking customisation for free, while StretchLock adds something none of these tools do — a stretch in the pause that helps your posture. If the physical toll of screen time matters to you, StretchLock stands out; for tunable free blocking, ScreenZen is excellent.
Is ScreenZen free?
Yes, ScreenZen is free, and StretchLock is free to start. Because both cost nothing to try, the best way to choose is to test which kind of pause — customisable friction or a quick stretch — keeps you off your phone.
Does StretchLock block apps like ScreenZen?
StretchLock gates distracting apps behind a stretch rather than a hard block or timer. ScreenZen offers a wider mix of friction types — breathing, delays, and limits. The goal is similar; the method differs.
What does StretchLock do that ScreenZen doesn't?
StretchLock turns the moment before a distracting app into a quick stretch, so it improves posture and mobility while cutting screen time. ScreenZen focuses purely on friction and usage limits and doesn't address the physical side.
Can I switch from ScreenZen to StretchLock?
Easily. Both are free to start and set up the same way — choose the apps you want to gate, then let the app add the pause. The difference you'll notice is doing a quick stretch instead of waiting out a timer.
We make StretchLock, so we are not a neutral referee — but we have tried to be fair about where ScreenZenis the better choice. Features and pricing change; check each app's own site for the latest details.