App on 1 list
Roots
MWM · Free · Productivity · 4.8 (2,791 ratings)
What it does
Roots gives you app limits, scheduled downtime and a daily balance score, plus a one-tap Block Now for the moment you decide you are done scrolling. From 7 apps for the first week back.
Alternatives to Roots
The closest alternatives to Roots are Class Timetable, Focus Train, Cape, BlockSite, Brainscape and Dark Noise — 6 apps from the list Roots appears on, “7 apps for the first week back”, each answering the same moment a different way.
Class TimetableClass Timetable draws your week of classes as coloured blocks, with homework attached to each one and a home screen widget for whatever is next.
Focus TrainFocus Train has no checklist, no setup and no streak to protect. The ticket is already printed, so the only thing left is to get on, and every session becomes a route you can look at later.
CapeRather than hard-blocking, Cape pauses an app once you hit your limit and gives it back later. Built for people who struggle with attention or ADHD.
BlockSiteBlockSite blocks websites and apps, free, with a scheduler for the hours you want kept clear and a password lock so you cannot casually undo it.
BrainscapeBrainscape has you rate how well you knew each card from 1 to 5, and the ones you rated low come back sooner. Build them from your own notes or a PDF.
Dark NoiseDark Noise carries 50+ ambient sounds you can layer into custom mixes, with Shortcuts integration so one tap or your voice starts the one you want.
Price and ratings
| App | Price | App Store rating | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roots | Free | 4.8 (2,791) | Productivity |
| Class Timetable | Free | 4.7 (3,007) | Education |
| Focus Train | Free | 5.0 (5) | Productivity |
| Cape | Free | 4.6 (15,429) | Utilities |
| BlockSite | Free | 4.2 (6,207) | Productivity |
| Brainscape | Free | 4.8 (21,467) | Education |
| Dark Noise | Free | 4.8 (3,682) | Health & Fitness |
Roots and its alternatives, as the App Store listed them on 2026-10-06.
Roots is free to download from the iOS App Store and holds 4.8 out of 5 from 2,791 ratings, checked on 2026-10-06. Prices and ratings go stale; the App Store is the live source. It is listed there as “Roots: Screen Time Control”.
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