one sec review
Adds a mindful pause before you open distracting apps
- riedel.wtf GmbH
- Free + paid plans
- iPhone & iPad, Android
Does it deserve #6?
The verdict
one sec takes a simple idea and makes it work. When you open a distracting app, it asks you to take a breath first and then whether you really want to continue. That small pause is often enough to break the habit. It is light, ad-free and focused on one job. The free version covers a single app, so most people will want Pro, and determined users can always tap through.
- Breathing pause before apps
- Works with most distracting apps
- Stats on attempted opens
- Gentle friction, not hard blocks
Score breakdown
Overall = features 30% · design 20% · speed 20% · value 15% · privacy 15%. Why these weights?
What we like
- Simple intervention that genuinely curbs mindless opens
- Focused, ad-free app with a light data footprint
- Shows how often you reach for each app
What could be better
- Free version covers only one app
- Easy to tap through if you are determined
Habitual scrollers who want a nudge, not a hard block, before opening apps
you need strict blocking that you can't override in the moment
Questions about one sec
Is one sec free?
Yes, for one app. A one sec pro subscription extends the pause to multiple apps and unlocks extra intervention options.
How is one sec different from Screen Time limits?
Screen Time blocks an app once you hit a limit, while one sec adds a short pause every time you open it, which interrupts the habit before it starts.
What are the best alternatives to one sec?
The closest alternatives are Opal, Forest and Waking Up. See all of them ranked on our one sec alternatives page.
Where does one sec rank?
one sec ranks #6 of 9 in our Mind & Focus ranking, with an overall score of 8.5 out of 10.