Side by side
Hikage vs Roots
Both stand on screen time management apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Mac
Pick Hikage if you use a Mac and want local activity records with detailed usage views and customizable categories. Look elsewhere if you need an attendance, billing, medical, safety, or evidence system, or if you need added application-layer encryption for local records and exports.
Visit Hikage Free plan iPhone
Choose Roots if you want iPhone blocking tools paired with a daily score, reports, and goals. Look elsewhere if you need Android now or more than two blockings without Roots Plus.
Visit RootsThe facts
| Hikage | Roots | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac | iPhone |
| Lowest paid plan | Personal Perpetual License: $9, paid once | Roots Plus (Yearly): $59.99 a year |
| Plans published | 2 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | hikage.app | getroots.app |
| On screen time management apps | #19 of 36 | #23 of 36 |
Hikage: what it does well
- Records app switches in the background.
- Includes daily, monthly, and per-app statistics.
- Supports Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and other listed browsers.
- Free plan includes data export and iCloud Backup.
- Does not record typed text or screen images.
What to know first
- Available for macOS only.
- The personal license normally covers up to two devices.
- Local databases, backups, and exports have no added application-layer encryption.
- CSV and JSON exports are readable text.
Roots: what it does well
- Daily Balance Score visualizes phone-use progress over time.
- Blocking supports limits, scheduled downtime, and Monk Mode.
- Weekly reports and Digital Dopamine provide screen-time insights.
- Goals and streak rewards support ongoing progress.
- Usage and browsing data stays on-device, according to Roots.
What to know first
- The App Store listing supports iPhone only.
- The Free plan includes only two blockings.
- Roots Plus costs $9.99 a month or $59.99 a year.