TaskLock vs Opal

In short: choose TaskLock if you want apps to unlock when a task is done and a to-do list, habits and calendar in the same app. Choose Opal if you want timed focus sessions, detailed screen time reports and a Mac app. Both use Apple’s Screen Time framework, so the blocking itself is equally reliable.

Feature by feature

How the lock ends

TaskLockUnlocks when you check off the task, finish the habit or the event ends. A countdown and a daily change limit make early unlocks deliberate.
OpalUnlocks when the session, schedule or daily limit runs out. Hard Mode removes breaks.

To-do list, habits and calendar

TaskLockYes. All built in, one screen.
OpalNo. Focus score and streaks only.

Apple Watch

TaskLockYes. Complete on the watch, unlock on iPhone.
OpalNo. Not listed on the App Store.

No account needed

TaskLockYes. No login, no email.
OpalYes. Optional, for restoring Pro.

Works offline

TaskLockYes. Including locking.
OpalNot stated. Opal says it runs entirely on your phone.

Free version

TaskLockYes. With limits; Premium removes them.
OpalYes. 3 recurring rules, unlimited one-off sessions.

Website blocking

TaskLockYes. In Safari.
OpalYes.

Platforms

TaskLockiPhone (iOS 17 or later) and Apple Watch (watchOS 10 or later).
OpaliPhone (iOS 18 or later), Mac, Android (in development).

Which one is right for you

Choose TaskLock if…

  • You want the lock tied to a to-do item.
  • You want tasks, habits and calendar in the same app as the blocker.
  • You use an Apple Watch and want to unlock from your wrist.
  • You want no account and full offline use.

Choose Opal if…

  • You want timed focus sessions and daily usage caps.
  • You want detailed screen time stats, a focus score and peer benchmarks.
  • You also want to block apps and websites on a Mac.
  • You like leaderboards and challenges with friends.

What they have in common

Both run on Apple’s Screen Time framework, both can block apps, app categories and websites, and both offer a free version.

Common questions

Is TaskLock a good Opal alternative?

Yes, if what you want is blocking tied to tasks. TaskLock keeps apps locked until you check off the task, and it includes a to-do list, habit tracker and calendar. If your main goal is usage statistics or timed sessions, Opal is the better fit.

Can I use TaskLock and Opal together?

Yes. Both use Apple’s Screen Time framework and can be installed side by side. In practice an app stays blocked while either one locks it, so a TaskLock task lock and an Opal session can overlap.

Does Opal have a to-do list?

No. Opal tracks focus hours, streaks and a Focus Score, and blocks apps on sessions and schedules, but it has no task list, habit tracker or calendar planner. TaskLock includes all three.

Try TaskLock free

Finish tasks, unlock apps. No account, works offline.

Download on the App Store

Last checked: October 7, 2026. Sources for Opal: Opal on the App Store, Opal help center. TaskLock details come from the app itself. If something here is out of date, email info@tasklockapp.com. Other comparisons: vs one sec, vs ScreenZen, vs Forest, vs Apple Screen Time.