This is a hands-on Opal app review for 2025. You’ll learn what the app does well, where it falls short, and who it’s actually for. We’ll also compare it to a physical alternative that’s gaining traction for people who want stronger limits.
Opal is one of the top-rated screen time apps for iPhone and Mac. It blocks apps, tracks usage, and gives you tools to focus. The interface feels rewarding to use, and the analytics are helpful if you're trying to build better habits.
But like all screen time apps, it has limits. If you're tired or feeling impulsive, you can still override it. That’s the tradeoff. You get flexibility, but you’re still the one in charge of keeping yourself on track.
This review breaks down what it’s like to actually use Opal day to day, and what to do if it stops being enough.
Table of Contents
How Does the Opal App Work?
Opal is a screen time app for iPhone and Mac. It blocks apps and websites you choose.
You can use it to:
- Set daily limits (like 30 minutes of Instagram)
- Schedule recurring blocks (for example, social media and email from 6PM to midnight)
- Start focus sessions with a timer
It also tracks your screen time in more detail than Apple’s built-in tools. You can see pickups, app usage, and progress toward your goals.
The whole thing is gamified. You earn gems and streaks as you stay focused. And there's a leaderboard if you want to compete with friends.
One of the strongest features is Deep Focus. It locks your sessions so you can’t stop them early. But it’s only available in the paid version.
What We Liked About Opal
✅ Excellent analytics
Opal helps you build awareness around your habits. You can see pickups, app usage, time spent in distracting vs. productive apps, and track your focus hours over time. You also get a focus score and streaks for motivation.
✅ Interface feels intentional
It’s designed to feel more like an experience than a tool. The animations, haptics, and layout make using the app feel rewarding.
✅ Plenty of flexibility
You can limit how much time you spend in an app each day, block apps during set hours, or just start a manual focus session. It works with whatever structure suits you best.
✅ Helpful preset modes
There’s a big library of pre-made routines. Examples include “Laser Focus” (2–3 PM focus hour on weekdays), “Rise and Shine” (no distractions from 6–9 AM), and other options like Reading Time, Gym Time, and Weekend Limit.
✅ Custom commitment levels
You can allow breaks, allow breaks with a delay, or choose Deep Focus mode, which blocks all access until the timer ends. You decide how strict you want to be.
Where Opal Falls Short
❌ Pricey subscription
The full version costs $99.99 per year or $8.29/month. There’s a free version, but it’s limited. You only get one recurring focus session, and most of the stronger features are locked behind the paywall.
❌ Easy to bypass
Unless you’re using Deep Focus (only in the paid plan), it’s possible to stop a session early. You can open the app, cancel the timer, or even disable Opal in iPhone’s Screen Time settings. That gives you full access to everything again, even if a session is running.
Opal does offer tips to make things more secure, but it’s not 100% foolproof.
This is a common issue across most screen time apps. None of them can fully take control away from you. It’s still your phone, and if you really want to cheat, you can. We’ll introduce an alternative in the next section that does.
❌ Only works on Apple devices
If you’re on Android or Windows, you’re out of luck. Opal is iOS and macOS only.
The Problem With Screen Time Apps
Apps like Opal can help, but only to a point. The core issue is control. These tools still live inside your phone. That means you can always override them if you want to. Change a setting. End a session. Delete the app. It’s your phone.
This isn’t unique to Opal. It applies to every screen time app. They all rely on your self-discipline. When you're tired, anxious, or avoiding something, that system breaks down. The tool stops working when you need it most.
A Different Approach: Physical Lock Boxes
Lock boxes solve the problem in a different way. Instead of trying to manage your phone use with another app, they take the device out of the equation. You place your phone inside, set a timer, and close the lid. You can’t open it until the timer runs out.
Why this works:
- Physical barrier: The phone goes inside and stays locked until the timer ends. There's nothing to override.
- Reduced temptation: Once the phone is out of sight and out of reach, the urge to check drops off quickly.
- Commitment device: Pressing the lock button sets the limit. You decide once, and don’t have to think about it again.
- Simplicity: The process is quick. Put your phone in, press the button, and walk away. No setup or syncing required.
In other words, the lock box gives you something Opal can’t: a hard stop.
You put your phone in, set the timer, and close the lid. That’s it. You don’t have to resist anything, because the option isn’t there. You can’t open it early (in Fortress mode).
For most people, this is the missing piece. When you remove the option to check your phone, the cravings fade faster. Focus returns. And you can actually rest.
| Opal App | Mindsight Phone Lock Box | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Blocks apps and websites | Locks the whole phone away |
| Strict mode | Yes (paid feature) | Yes |
| Compatibility | iPhone and Mac only | Works with any phone |
| Requires an internet connection | For certain features | No |
| Price | $99.99/year | One-time $30 purchase |
| Best for | People who want detailed screen time analytics and gamification | People who need stronger boundaries |
Bottom Line: Who Opal Is For
If you mostly want to check your habits, reduce scrolling a bit, or create gentle structure, Opal can help. It’s polished and has lots of smart features.
If you’re stuck in compulsive loops, you need something stronger. The lock box takes the phone out of your life for a while. That break gives your brain space to reset.
So Opal is great for tracking and routines. The lock box is better when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or slipping into bad habits.
If you’ve tried focus apps and still end up scrolling, it’s time to take the phone out of the equation. The Mindsight phone lock box does that. No app can replace physical separation.
👉 Discover the Mindsight Lock Box
FAQ: Common Questions About Opal
Do I have to pay for Opal?
The app has a free version. Deep Focus, custom scheduling, and detailed reports are only available in the paid version.
Does Opal block websites?
Yes, in addition to apps, you can also block websites in Safari.
What happens if you delete Opal?
If you're in Deep Focus, the block still holds. Otherwise, deleting the app stops the sessions.
Does Opal use AI?
No, it’s not AI-driven. It uses system-level permissions and manual settings.
Does Opal remove private browsing?
By default, Opal doesn't block private browsing. But you can toggle "Adult Blocking" on when setting a session, in which case Opal will effectively disable private browsing mode on your browser.
Is Opal available on Android?
Not yet. As of 2025, it only works on iOS and macOS.