An Opal alternative that makes you earn your screen time
Opal is great at blocking apps on a schedule. MyRepsCount takes a different approach: your apps stay locked until you work out, and the camera counts the reps, so you can't just wait it out.
The short answer
Stick with Opal if…
- You need to block websites and your Mac, not only phone apps.
- You want detailed focus reports, a Pomodoro timer, or parental controls.
- Exercise isn't the point; you just want less screen time.
Try MyRepsCount if…
- You want your scrolling time to cost you a workout, not just a wait.
- You don't want to pay $99.99 a year for strict blocking.
- You were going to start working out anyway.
Opal vs MyRepsCount, feature by feature
| Feature | Opal | MyRepsCount |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks the apps you choose | ✓ | ✓ |
| Unlock requires exercise | ✕ | ✓ Camera-counted, so no honor system |
| Scheduled blocking | ✓ | ✓ Active days, start time, auto-unlock time |
| Strict mode | ◐ Hard Mode is Pro only | ◐ The block holds until you work out |
| Website blocking | ✓ | ✕ |
| Mac app | ✓ | ✕ |
| Screen-time reports | ✓ | ✕ |
| Workout tracking | ✕ | ✓ 60+ exercises counted, plus a manual log |
| Free plan | ◐ Basic blocking, limited rules | ✓ All Focus features |
✓ yes ◐ partly or paid ✕ no
Strict app blocking, first-year cost
Opal prices from opalapp.com/pricing. Opal also sells lifetime Pro for $399 and has student discounts.
Why people switch
Waiting is easy, pushups aren't
A timer only asks you to be patient. A workout gate puts a real price on the impulse, and most impulses don't survive it.
You get something for it
Every unlock is a workout logged. A month of Focus adds up to a month of training.
Free
Focus, rep counting, and the workout log cost nothing.
Where Opal is better
We make MyRepsCount, so here is the part most comparison pages leave out.
- Opal blocks websites and runs on Mac. MyRepsCount only blocks phone apps.
- Its scheduling, reports, and focus sessions are more detailed. It is a dedicated screen-time tool.
- Deep Focus sessions can't be cancelled once started.
- If you can't exercise on a given day, a time-based blocker still works. A workout gate doesn't.
How MyRepsCount counts your reps
-
Prop your phone up. Floor, shelf, or against a water bottle, with your whole body in frame. -
Train hands-free. The camera tracks your movement on the phone and counts each full rep. No video is recorded or uploaded. - Or log it by hand. Anything the camera can't count goes in the manual log, with weights, rep ranges, and supersets.
More on the free rep counter app and the free workout library.
Opal alternative FAQ
Is Opal free?
Opal has a free plan with basic app blocking. Pro, which adds Hard Mode and more rules, costs $19.99 a month or $99.99 a year, or $399 for lifetime, per opalapp.com.
What if I can't work out one day?
Choose which days Focus is active and set an auto-unlock time, so rest days don't lock you out.
Does it work on Android?
Yes. Focus uses an Accessibility service on Android and Screen Time on iPhone.
Try it free on your phone
Automatic rep counting, the manual log, and Focus app blocking are free on iPhone and Android.
