Cortex app vs one sec
Prices and ratings from the US App Store, checked on 2026-09-13. They change; tell us if one is outdated.
Same idea, two executions: one sec is the research-backed pause with the widest platform support; Cortex app turns the pause into a scored habit with an intention question, for less per year.
one sec and Cortex app share the same core idea: a pause before a distracting app opens. one sec has peer-reviewed studies behind it; Cortex app adds an intention question, a daily score with streaks, a weekly report, and Shortcuts integration. Cortex Pro costs $14.99 a year versus $19.99 for one sec pro.
one sec came first, has 24,000 US ratings, runs on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Android, and blocks websites too. Cortex app is iPhone-only, newer, and built around one moment: the second between the impulse and the app. If you want the pause plus a number that tells you it is working, that is the difference.
| Cortex app | one sec | |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Pause + intention question | Pause |
| What happens during the pause | Breathing · typed math · trivia · your own usage numbers · time box | Breathing and effort exercises |
| Asks why you’re opening the app | Yes | No |
| Daily score and streaks | Yes | No |
| Custom pause length | Pro | Yes |
| Schedules | Pro | Yes |
| Daily usage limits | Pro | Yes |
| Blocks websites | No | Yes |
| Shortcuts / automations | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | iPhone | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android |
| Minimum iOS | iOS 17 | iOS 15 |
| Free tier | 1 app, full features | Limited |
| Yearly | $14.99 | $19.99 |
| Monthly | $3.99 | $2.99 |
| Lifetime | $79.99 | $99.99 |
| Published research | No | Yes (peer-reviewed) |
| App Store rating (US) | See App Store | 4.8 ★ · 24K |
Choose one sec if…
- You want the pause on Android, iPad or Mac as well as iPhone.
- You need website blocking in Safari.
- You want the option with published, peer-reviewed studies behind it.
Choose Cortex app if…
- You want to be asked why you’re opening the app — the step that breaks autopilot.
- You want a daily score, streaks and a weekly report so you can see it working.
- You want to pay less per year ($14.99 vs $19.99) or once ($79.99 vs $99.99).
Cortex app vs one sec — FAQ
Is Cortex app cheaper than one sec?
Per year, yes: $14.99 versus $19.99. Per month one sec is a dollar cheaper ($2.99 vs $3.99). Lifetime: $79.99 versus $99.99. US App Store, checked 2026-09-13.
Can I use both?
Technically yes, but two shields on the same app is a bad experience. Pick one per app.
Does Cortex app have research like one sec?
No. one sec has published studies with the Max Planck Institute and Heidelberg University; Cortex app has usage data and a weekly report, not a paper. We say so plainly.
Does Cortex app block websites?
Not in this version. one sec does.
5.0 ★ on the App Store · iOS 17+