Screen Time
Best for app limits, downtime, categories, parental controls, and habit management. It is powerful, but the workflow can feel indirect for personal privacy locks.
Screen Time is for limits. AppLockr is for quick privacy.
Screen Time is a good Apple tool for parental controls, schedules, and app limits. If your problem is “I do not want someone opening this app while my Mac is unlocked,” AppLockr is the more direct tool.
Screen Time vs AppLockr
AppLockr
Best for locking selected apps and folders with Touch ID or password authentication when your Mac is already in use.
When AppLockr is the better fit
- You lend your Mac briefly and want Mail, Notes, Photos, or Safari protected.
- You share a screen and do not want private apps opening accidentally.
- You want a privacy lock, not a parental-control setup.
- You want a native menu bar utility with no tracking or ads.
Use both if that makes sense
AppLockr does not need to replace every macOS privacy tool. You can keep Screen Time for limits and use AppLockr for selected app and folder privacy.