TaskBlue or ScreenZen: free nudges or firm blocks?
ScreenZen suits teenagers from 13 who want to slow their own scrolling without paying for it. TaskBlue suits you if you, as the parent, set places and times and ending early stays with you. ScreenZen has no parent mode, and under 18 its terms require parental consent.
As of: October 2026
What is ScreenZen?
ScreenZen is made by the US company ScreenZen LLC and runs on iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows. Instead of blocking apps outright, it puts a wait in front of opening them that can grow with every further open, plus open limits and fixed blocks on a schedule. Strictly blocked apps can be hidden from the home screen. The app is completely free and funded by voluntary tips.
Where ScreenZen is strong
- Completely free, no subscription, funded by voluntary tips.
- Very fine-grained: a wait that can grow with every open, limited opens and prompts before opening.
- Runs on iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows.
Side by side
| Topic | TaskBlue | ScreenZen |
|---|---|---|
| Child's device | iPhone with iOS 16 or later | iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows; for ages 13 and up |
| What parents need | Neither an app nor an iPhone of their own. Setup happens on the child's iPhone. | No parent mode; the settings can be locked |
| How apps are blocked | Chosen apps disappear from the home screen. Categories and websites show Apple's block screen. | A wait before opening, open limits and strict blocks; strictly blocked apps can be hidden |
| Automatic by place | Yes, at up to 20 places with a 100 to 500 m radius | Not stated for the app; the add-on device halo blocks within a room, US shipping only |
| Schedules | Weekly schedule, chosen calendar events or by hand | Yes, strict blocks on a schedule |
| Ending early | With the BlueTag or the 6-digit parent PIN. Without a PIN, the child has three emergency exits. | Not stated |
| What parents see | No location, no messages, no browsing history | Not stated |
| Price | €49.99 for 12 months or €9.99 a month, BlueTag included | Free, voluntary tips from €6 to €45 |
| Also | Every focus hour funds the recovery of about 100 g of ocean plastic. | Optional halo device for US$49 that blocks apps within a room |
When ScreenZen is the better fit
Your teenager wants to slow their own scrolling, and it should cost nothing.
When TaskBlue is the better fit
You want to set the places and times, and ending early is up to you.
Frequently asked
Is ScreenZen meant for children?
Not really. ScreenZen is aimed at people who want to slow their own scrolling, and its terms set a minimum age of 13. Between 13 and 17, a parent has to consent and supervise.
Why does TaskBlue cost money when ScreenZen is free?
Because TaskBlue is more than the app. The BlueTag comes with every plan, and every focus hour funds the recovery of about 100 g of ocean plastic, up to 5 kg a month. All plans are on the pricing page.
Sources
As of October 2026. All information without guarantee.
- ScreenZen, ScreenZen, 2026
- ScreenZen halo, ScreenZen, 2026
- Terms of Service, ScreenZen, 2026
- ScreenZen im App Store (Deutschland), Apple App Store, 2026
Read on
Fewer distractions for your child. Less plastic in the sea.
A year costs €49.99 once, a month €9.99. The BlueTag comes with both plans.