The best app blockers for Android in 2026 — an honest list

Seven Android app blockers compared by what their block screen actually does, from the built-in Digital Wellbeing to timre, StayFree, one sec and Freedom.

Published 21 September 2026 · by the maker of timre

This list is written by the maker of one of the apps on it (timre). It names the others fairly, because the wrong blocker for you is worse than none: you'll turn it off in a week and conclude that blockers don't work.

The one question that separates them: what happens at the moment you open the app?

1. Digital Wellbeing — the built-in baseline

Free, already on most Android phones. App timers, Focus mode, Bedtime mode. When a timer runs out the app icon greys out and a system screen says the timer has ended. No custom words, no photo. If you've never tried a limit, start here.

2. timre — your words on the wall

Free to start, Android only. Daily limits per app with Light/Balanced/Loose/Harsh presets, Routines (Morning, Wind-down), Deep Work sessions, streaks for kept budgets. The wall shows the goal you typed, a photo you chose, and a line written for that app in your chosen tone; you can write your own or generate fresh ones. Raw usage never leaves the phone. Best if the reason is what you need in front of you. Google Play.

3. StayFree — the statistics app

Rich usage stats and history, app limits with a block screen, focus mode, a web dashboard. Best if you want to see your usage in detail.

4. ActionDash — Digital Wellbeing, extended

From the makers of Action Launcher; a fuller stats view than Digital Wellbeing with limits and a Focus mode. Best for people who like the Google model but want more.

5. one sec — the pause

Instead of blocking, it inserts a breathing exercise before the app opens and asks if you still want to continue. Cross-platform. Best if you want to notice the habit rather than be stopped by it.

6. Freedom — across devices

Blocks apps and websites on phone and computer on schedules, subscription-based. Best if the problem is your laptop as much as your phone.

7. AppBlock — schedules and profiles

Blocking profiles by time and place, strict mode, website blocking. Best for rule-heavy setups.

How to choose

• You've never set a limit → Digital Wellbeing.
• You keep swiping the block screen away → timre (change what the screen says) or one sec (change the moment).
• You want charts → StayFree or ActionDash.
• It's the laptop too → Freedom.

Whatever you choose, grant it Display over other apps so the block is a wall, not a notification, and on Samsung/Xiaomi/OnePlus allow unrestricted battery so it isn't killed at 11 pm — the hour you need it.

Feature descriptions are as of September 2026 and kept deliberately general; check each app's listing for the current version.

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