Side by side
Roots vs UsageOS
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 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 Roots Free plan Mac
UsageOS combines configurable activity categories with daily and weekly views, plus controls for exporting and deleting locally stored data. It is a macOS-only option, and its browser-site identification reads the current tab.
Visit UsageOSThe facts
| Roots | UsageOS | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | iPhone | Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | Roots Plus (Yearly): $59.99 a year | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | getroots.app | usageos.app |
| On screen time management apps | #23 of 36 | #27 of 36 |
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.
UsageOS: what it does well
- Rules can classify apps, websites, or window-title words.
- Weekly view shows seven days on one 24-hour scale.
- Activity data can be exported to CSV or wiped.
- Accessibility and Automation permissions are optional.
- Open source under the MIT license.
What to know first
- Available for macOS 13+ only.
- Identifying a website requires reading the current browser tab.
- No free trial is listed.
Alternatives to Roots Alternatives to UsageOS The whole list