XP TRACKERXP Tracker vs one sec
one sec puts a short pause between you and the apps you open on autopilot. XP Tracker is a habit RPG whose App Lock keeps apps closed until your quests are done. They solve different halves of the same problem, and they can work together.
We make XP Tracker. one sec facts were checked against its website (one-sec.app) in November 2026. Where we describe what one sec says about itself, we say so.
A pause, or a game with a lock
one sec is a screen-time app built around friction. Its website describes interruptions that appear before a distracting app opens, such as taking a deep breath, 4-7-8 breathing, rotating the phone or typing random text, so that you open apps on purpose instead of on autopilot. It also lists app blocking on a schedule, time limits for your most used apps, intention tracking, emotion tracking, journaling, nudges toward healthy alternatives, a browser extension, and integrations with Structured and Lengo. one sec says its approach was studied with the Max Planck Institute and Heidelberg University.
XP Tracker is a habit RPG for iPhone and Android. Your daily habits are quests. Finishing them earns XP that levels a hero from one of eight classes, damages the current boss and unlocks the next panel of your class's comic, while gear cases and eggs build a collection of loot and pets. App Lock is one feature inside it: your apps stay locked until you've done the number of quests you set for the day. It also has an ending: finish all eight classes and your hero is immortalized in the Hall of Heroes, ranked by when you finished, among players from all over the world.
one sec is about the moment you reach for the phone. XP Tracker is about what you do with the time you get back.
Feature comparison
As of November 2026.
| Feature | one sec | XP Tracker |
|---|---|---|
| Core idea | Add friction before distracting apps | Level up a hero by doing real habits |
| What happens when you open a distracting app | A short interruption, such as a deep breath | It stays locked until today's quests are done |
| Scheduled blocking and time limits | Yes | No |
| Website blocking | Yes, with a browser extension | No |
| Reflection tools | Intention and emotion tracking, journaling | Record Thoughts, Gratitude and weekly and monthly reflection quests |
| Daily habits | Nudges toward healthy alternatives | Core and class quests, plus up to 12 daily, 5 weekly and 5 monthly add-ons |
| Rewards | Not listed | XP, 198 bosses, 832 items, 1,400+ pets, a comic story |
| Platforms | Phone apps plus a browser extension | iPhone and Android |
| How you pay | Free download | Free to start, then monthly or a one-time pass |
"Not listed" means we didn't find it on one sec's website. It may still exist.
Who should pick one sec
- Your main problem is opening apps without thinking, dozens of times a day.
- You want friction on websites and on your computer too.
- You want schedules and time limits for specific apps.
- You don't want a game. You want a quiet tool in the background.
Who should pick XP Tracker
- Blocking alone hasn't worked, because the empty time just fills up again.
- You want a set of daily habits, training, reading, focus, a calm evening, to do instead.
- You like games: levels, bosses, loot, pets and a story.
- You'd rather earn your apps by finishing quests than wait out a timer.
A pause and a plan
The two approaches fit together. A pause before the feed breaks the automatic reach. A list of quests gives the freed-up minutes somewhere to go. If you try both, start with a small App Lock number, two or three quests, so the lock feels like a nudge and not a wall.
- Note the apps that pull you in most. On Android, lock those in App Lock. On iPhone, App Lock covers every app except XP Tracker.
- Pick a small number. Clean Start, Plan Your Day and one class quest get you there before breakfast.
- Add a screen quest. Tap + Add a quest and choose No social media or Screen-time limit.
Read more on phone habits and how XP Tracker handles them, or compare with Opal and Forest.
Questions people ask
What does one sec do?
According to its website, one sec interrupts or blocks social media, apps and websites. Before a distracting app opens, it can ask you to take a deep breath or do another short interruption, and it also offers app blocking on a schedule, time limits, intention and emotion tracking, and a browser extension.
How is XP Tracker's App Lock different?
App Lock doesn't pause each app opening. It keeps apps locked until you finish the number of quests you set for the day. On Android you pick the apps. On iPhone (iOS 16 or newer), App Lock locks every app except XP Tracker until you're done.
Which one cuts screen time more?
We can't tell you that. one sec publishes its own research on its website. XP Tracker is a habit game, and App Lock is one feature in it. If cutting screen time is your only goal, a dedicated tool like one sec is built for it.
Can I use one sec and XP Tracker together?
Yes. one sec can slow down the automatic opening of feeds, and XP Tracker can give you a set of daily quests to do instead. On iPhone both rely on Apple's Screen Time system, so set them up one at a time and check that they behave the way you expect.
Is XP Tracker free?
It's free to start. After that you choose a monthly plan or a one-time Full Journey pass. The app shows the price for your country.
Start your journey
Pick a class, do the day's quests, and watch your hero level up with you.
Start free on iPhone and Android.
Scan to install Point your phone camera at the code. iPhone opens the App Store, Android opens Google Play.