minded vs Opal
Opal is a polished screen-time blocker with detailed stats; minded is a free, gentle pause that calms your browser. Here’s how they compare.
Last reviewed: June 2026
The short version
Opal is the better fit if you want enforced blocking and detailed screen-time stats on your phone. minded is the better fit if you want a free tool that calms your browser’s new tab, adds a gentle pause instead of a lockout, and helps you notice patterns in mood and screen habits.
Feature comparison
| Feature | minded | Opal |
|---|---|---|
| Core idea | A mindful pause + a calm new tab | Block apps & sites on a schedule |
| Platforms | Chrome extension, Android | iOS, Android |
| Works in the browser | Yes — replaces your new tab | Via Mac app + Chrome extension |
| New tab dashboard | Yes | No |
| Mood & energy check-ins | Yes | No |
| Screen-time analytics | Light patterns | Detailed stats |
| Hard app/site blocking | No — friction, not lockout | Yes |
| Price | Free | Paid (~$100/yr; limited free tier) |
| Data | Offline-first, not sold | See their privacy policy |
Where minded is stronger
- It’s free. No subscription and no trial countdown — the full experience costs nothing.
- It calms the browser. minded replaces your new tab with a quiet dashboard, so the pause happens where desktop doomscrolling starts.
- Friction, not lockout. Instead of hard-blocking, minded adds a moment to choose — better for habitual “just checking” than a wall you learn to fight.
- It’s private by design. minded is offline-first and doesn’t sell your data.
Where Opal is stronger
- Detailed analytics. Opal gives rich screen-time stats and trends across your day.
- Hard scheduled blocking. If you want apps and sites genuinely gone on a timetable, Opal enforces it.
- Focus sessions. Its deep-focus modes are built for dedicated, distraction-free blocks.
- Polished mobile app. Opal is a mature, well-designed iOS-first product.
Frequently asked questions
Is minded a free alternative to Opal?
Yes. minded is free, while Opal keeps its useful features behind a paid subscription (around $100/year, with a limited free tier). If you want a gentle pause and a calm browser new tab rather than hard scheduled blocking and detailed analytics, minded covers that at no cost.
What is the main difference between minded and Opal?
Opal is a mobile-first hard blocker with detailed screen-time analytics and scheduled focus sessions. minded is browser-first and uses gentle friction — a pause and a calm new tab — instead of locking you out, plus light mood and energy check-ins.
Which should I pick?
Pick Opal if you want enforced blocking and rich stats on your phone. Pick minded if you want a free, low-friction nudge in your browser that helps you choose consciously and notice patterns in mood and screen habits.
Can I use both?
Yes. Opal can enforce hard blocks on your phone while minded keeps your browser new tab calm — they work on different surfaces.
Try minded free
A gentle pause before the feeds and a calm new tab — free, private, offline-first.