Compare · Screen time and focus apps
LeadMeNot vs Opal
Opal is a focus app: it blocks distracting apps and sites in sessions, on schedules and with daily limits, and its Deep Focus sessions can't be cancelled. LeadMeNot blocks too, and puts a person where Opal puts a timer: your partner is told when a rule is broken, and Safe Wall asks them before anything is loosened.
Choose LeadMeNot if you're changing a habit rather than protecting focus time, and want a partner alerted when a rule is broken and Safe Wall for every rule, not just during a session.
Where Opal fits better: If you mainly want focus sessions for work or study, with reports on how you spend your time, Opal is built around that. LeadMeNot is built for boundaries you keep all day, with someone you trust.
Side by side
What each one does today. Where Opal is stronger, we say so.
| What it does | LeadMeNot | Opal |
|---|---|---|
| Block apps and websites | Apps on iPhone, Android, Windows and Mac; websites everywhere | iPhone, iPad, Mac and Android1,2 |
| Schedules and daily limits | Daily limits on iPhone, Windows and Mac; schedules there and on Android; open limits on Windows and Mac | Schedules, daily caps and open limits3 |
| Adult content | Built-in Adult Websites & Apps list on every device | A toggle on iPhone; on Mac during a session or limit; on Android you add sites yourself4 |
| Can't undo it in a weak moment | Safe Wall: your partner's OK or a waiting period, for every rule | Deep Focus sessions can't be cancelled; others can, some after a delay3 |
| Someone you trust is told | Your partner is alerted when a rule is broken | Friends can see your daily Screen Time total (iPhone)5 |
| If it's switched off | Your partner is alerted (with Monitor on) | A 2026 review notes it can be turned off in iPhone's Screen Time settings3 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, Mac, Chromebook | iPhone, iPad, Mac and Android1,2 |
Also in LeadMeNot
- Keyword and phrase rules, inside apps on Android, Windows and Mac
- Block just part of a site, like youtube.com/shorts, and keep the rest
Switch from Opal, step by step
- Install LeadMeNot on each deviceGet it at leadmenot.org/download. On Windows, Mac and Chromebook you create your account at app.leadmenot.org first, then sign in to the app.
- Follow the first-day walkthroughThe first-day walkthrough switches on the Adult Websites & Apps list and takes you through your partner and Safe Wall.
- Turn your block lists into rulesAdd the apps and websites from your Opal block lists. Use a schedule for your Opal schedules and a daily limit for your time caps.
- Add a partnerPick someone you trust and add them as your partner. Safe Wall then asks them before any rule is loosened.
- Check it worksType just the word leadmenottest (no .com) into your browser and press Enter. If it's blocked, you're protected.
- Cancel Opal when you're readyIf you pay through the App Store, cancel in Settings › your name › Subscriptions, then delete the app.
Questions
Is LeadMeNot or Opal better for me?
Does LeadMeNot have focus sessions like Opal?
What will my partner see?
Ready when you are
Try LeadMeNot free, or ask us anything about moving over.
Compare other apps
Sources
- Opal help: Opal's Mac app
- Opal help: using Opal on iPad
- Headway: Opal app review (Jul 29, 2026) (independent review)
- Opal help: Can I block adult content?
- Opal help: inviting friends or family to Opal
Opal is a trademark of its owner, named here only to identify it. LeadMeNot isn't affiliated with Opal. Spot something out of date? Tell us and we'll fix it.