Comparison

Para vs Opal

Both block apps on iPhone. Opal is a polished willpower app with a paid Pro plan. Para is free, and hands the key to a friend who will absolutely say no.

Para and Opal both block apps on iPhone through Apple's Screen Time API. The core difference is who can undo a block: with Opal, it's you (except in Pro's Hard Mode, which won't let you cancel a session); with Para, a friend approves or denies each request to get back in early. On price, every Para feature is free, while Opal's free plan covers one rule and Opal Pro costs $19.99 a month or $99.99 a year on the US App Store (checked September 29, 2026). Opal also runs on Android and Mac; Para is iPhone only.

Side-by-side features

Feature comparison between Para and Opal
FeatureParaOpal
PriceOpal's website also lists a $399 lifetime plan.Free, every featureFree plan (1 rule); Pro $19.99/mo or $99.99/yr
A friend approves early unlocksOpal's social features are leaderboards and challenges.✓—
Scheduled blocks✓✓
Daily time limits✓✓
Blocks that start at a place (home, office)✓Not that we could find
Strictest modeStrict mode: you can't end a block earlyHard Mode (Pro): can't cancel a session
Stops you deleting the app to escapeYes, and turning it off needs your friendNot that we could find
Stats and focus scoreScreen time and top appsDetailed, with history on Pro
PlatformsiPhoneiPhone, Android, Mac
Screen Time data stays on-device✓✓

Pros and cons

Para — pros

  • A real person holds the key, so ending a block early means asking
  • Free, including everything Opal charges for (unlimited rules, strict mode)
  • Place-based blocks and a deletion lock your friend controls
  • Setup takes about a minute once you pick a friend

Para — cons

  • iPhone only, and your friend needs Para to approve requests
  • Needs a friend willing to say no
  • New, with only a handful of ratings

Opal — pros

  • The most polished design and stats in the category
  • Hard Mode is strict once a session starts
  • Apps for Android and Mac too
  • Huge, happy user base (4.7★ from about 89,000 US ratings)

Opal — cons

  • Most of the strict features are behind Pro
  • Outside Hard Mode, the person who can end a block is you
  • No friend or partner approval

When to choose each

Choose Para

Choose Para when you've already tried Screen Time, Opal or another willpower app and noticed the pattern: you set a limit, then you end it. A friend doesn't make the block technically stronger, it makes ending it early a question you have to ask out loud. Best for adults who'd benefit from someone else holding the key, and anyone who doesn't want a subscription.

Choose Opal

Choose Opal when your problem is awareness more than override. Its stats, focus sessions and weekly summaries are great for people motivated by clean data, and Hard Mode is strong if you'll pay for Pro. It's also the pick if you need Mac or Android.

FAQ

Is Opal free?
Partly. Opal's free plan includes one rule (a schedule, time limit or open limit), basic blocking and today's Focus Score. Hard Mode, unlimited rules and score history need Opal Pro: $19.99 a month or $99.99 a year on the US App Store, checked September 29, 2026.
Is there a free app like Opal?
Yes. Para is free with every feature, and ScreenZen is free too. See our full list of Opal alternatives.
How do I cancel Opal Pro?
If you subscribed through the App Store: Settings → your name → Subscriptions → Opal → Cancel Subscription. Deleting the app doesn't cancel it.
Why isn't Opal blocking apps?
The common causes apply to every Screen Time app, Para included: the app is on iOS's Always Allowed list, Screen Time access was switched off in Settings, there's no phone passcode or Face ID set up, or Screen Time got stuck and needs a restart. Opal's help center walks through reloading blocks and resetting its Screen Time connection.
Does Opal have a friend approval feature?
Not that we could find as of September 2026. Opal's social features are leaderboards, milestones and challenges. Para is built around a friend approving early unlocks.
Can I use Para and Opal together?
Yes, there's no technical conflict. Some people use Opal for stats and Para for the friend-approval block.

Ready to hand the key to a friend?

Free, every feature. iPhone only. About a minute to set up.

Download on iPhoneSee how it works