DuoLock vs. Opal: Which app fits shared phone-free time?
Opal is a screen-time and app blocker for one person, on iOS and Android, without a documented shared mode for couples, friends, or family. DuoLock is for a voluntary pause together: each person pauses only the apps they chose and can unlock early.
Independent comparison of public product information, checked on October 22, 2026. DuoLock is not affiliated with Opal. Features can change. Opal details below are the manufacturer facts on file: a solo screen-time app on iOS and Android, with app blocking and focus sessions, Vacation Mode in iOS 4.19.1 on October 14, 2026, and Android release notes dated October 15, 2026.
DuoLock and Opal at a glance
| Question | DuoLock | Opal |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | A partner, friends, or family, in the same phone-free moment. | One person. Screen-time control and app blocking for that person. |
| Together | Couple. Friends, up to 12 people, started with a QR code or an 8-digit code. Family, up to 8 people, with one Together Pass for everyone in that family. In Friends and Family, joining without blocking apps stays possible. | No shared couple, friends, or family mode is documented. The product is self-control for one person. |
| During a session | Each person chooses their own apps. The selection stays on their phone. Anyone can unlock early on their own phone. | App blocking and focus sessions for that person, aimed at reducing their screen time. |
| Platforms | iPhone and Android, including in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. | iOS and Android. Android release notes were published on October 15, 2026. |
What Opal is for
Opal is a screen-time and app blocker for an individual. The documented features used here are app blocking, focus sessions, and screen-time reduction. On October 14, 2026, iOS version 4.19.1 added Vacation Mode and a UI update. On October 15, 2026, Opal published Android release notes. Public notes on file do not describe a shared couple, friends, or family mode.
When each app fits
When Opal fits
- You want to block apps and run focus sessions on your own phone.
- The moment is yours alone, not an agreement with other people in the room.
- You want a pause from your own limits, such as Vacation Mode on iOS.
When DuoLock fits
- You want phone-free time with a partner, with friends (up to 12), or with family (up to 8).
- Everyone agrees, chooses their own apps, and can unlock early.
- In Friends and Family, someone may join without blocking apps.
- One Together Pass covers everyone in Family. Family is not parental control.
How DuoLock handles the shared moment
Everyone agrees
A DuoLock session starts when the people in it say yes. See Couple for two, Friends for a group, and Family for a household ritual without a parent role.
Private app selection
Each person chooses what pauses on their own phone. That list stays on the device.
Unlock early
Anyone can end the pause on their own phone without ending it for the others.
No score at the center
DuoLock does not center the shared moment on points or a leaderboard. Opal’s notes on file do not describe a shared score either; they describe solo blocking and focus sessions.
For Opal next to BePresent, this page does not restate BePresent. Read DuoLock vs. BePresent and other app blockers, and the comparison overview.
FAQ
Is Opal available on Android?
Yes. Opal is documented on iOS and Android. Opal published Android release notes on October 15, 2026. Those notes are not summarized here beyond the fact that the Android app is maintained.
Opal vs BePresent: what is the difference?
Opal is documented as a solo screen-time and app blocker, without a shared couple, friends, or family mode. This page does not describe BePresent’s features. For DuoLock next to BePresent, see the BePresent comparison.
What is an Opal alternative for couples or friends?
DuoLock Couple is for two people who both agree. Friends mode fits up to 12 people and starts with a QR code or an 8-digit code. Family mode fits up to 8 people, and one Together Pass covers everyone in that family. In Friends and Family, joining without blocking apps stays possible. Each person chooses their own apps and can unlock early. DuoLock is on iPhone and Android.
Sources
- Opal Android release notes, October 15 (Opal)
- How to enable Vacation Mode (Opal)
- DuoLock on the App Store (Apple App Store)
- DuoLock on Google Play (Google Play)
- DuoLock Couple (DuoLock)
- DuoLock Friends (DuoLock)
- DuoLock Family (DuoLock)
Make room for more of the moment.
DuoLock creates a shared pause from the phone, voluntarily, privately, and together.