LockedOut vs Opal
Both block apps. But only one actually makes you earn them back.
The key difference
Opal blocks apps on a timer. You set a schedule—no Instagram before 9am, no TikTok after 8pm—and the app enforces it. When the timer runs out, you're in. Simple.
LockedOut blocks apps until you earn them back by completing real tasks. Go to the gym, study for an hour, clean your room, hit your step count. Actually do something. Then unlock.
One limits screen time. The other builds habits.
Feature comparison
| Feature | LockedOut | Opal |
|---|---|---|
| Task-based unlocking | ✓ | ✗ |
| GPS gym verification | ✓ | ✗ |
| AI room scanning | ✓ | ✗ |
| Study timer | ✓ | ✗ |
| Step counting | ✓ | ✗ |
| Sleep mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| App blocking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scheduled blocking | ✗ | ✓ |
| Apple Watch | ✓ | ✗ |
| Friends & leaderboard | ✓ | ✗ |
| Price | £14.99/mo | £9.99/mo |
Who Opal is for
Opal is built for people who want simple screen time limits. You set a schedule, Opal enforces it. It's good if you just want to reduce mindless scrolling without needing accountability or habit tracking.
If a timer is enough to stop you opening Instagram, Opal works. You set your rules, the app blocks during those hours, done.
Who LockedOut is for
LockedOut is for people who want to actually build a better routine. You're not just trying to limit screen time—you're trying to go to the gym more, study harder, clean your room, sleep better.
If you can talk yourself past a schedule or ignore a timer, LockedOut removes that choice. Apps don't unlock until you've actually done the work. No willpower needed. No debate. Just a lock.
The bottom line
Opal is a screen time limiter. LockedOut is a habit-building system that uses your phone as the reward.
Pick Opal if you want simple time-based blocking. Pick LockedOut if you want to actually change your life and earn your phone time instead of just hoping the timer works.