Whatusersreport
“The iOS app feels like an afterthought.”
The other complaint is paying a subscription for what Screen Time does for free. Both are fair if your distraction is mostly on the phone. If it is on the laptop too, Freedom still earns its place.
Theshortversion
| App | Phone | Computer | What stops you unblocking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freedom | Yes, via Screen Time | Yes | Locked mode (a delay) |
| Stint | Yes, via Screen Time | No | Your share of the prize pool |
| Opal | Yes | Mac companion | A wait, or Deep Focus |
| Apple Screen Time | Yes | Mac via iCloud | A passcode |
Stint
Stint is iPhone-first on purpose: the phone is where the pull is. Sessions shield your chosen apps through Screen Time, count focus only in your work apps, and sit inside a pool with an entry fee and a daily goal. Everyone who qualifies splits the pool.
If your laptop is the problem, pair Stint with your Mac's own Screen Time limits, or with Freedom on the desktop only.
HowStintturnsablockintoaconsequence
You join a pool: a small group, same daily focus goal, same number of days. Everyone pays an entry fee into a shared prize pool.
When you start a session, the apps you chose are shielded through Screen Time. Focus time counts only inside the work apps you picked. Open a blocked app and the session ends.
Meet the goal every day and you qualify. Everyone who qualifies splits the pool. Miss it and you forfeit your share. Nothing else is ever charged.
Questionspeopleask
Does Stint block websites on my Mac?
No. Stint is an iPhone app. For the desktop, use macOS Screen Time or a desktop blocker.
Can Stint stop me revoking Screen Time?
No app can. Revoking it ends your session, and an ended session does not count toward that day's goal.
