Comparison · checked 27 September 2026
MiniMove vs Opal
Opal is a focus app built around scheduled sessions and strict blocks across your apps; MiniMove does not block on a schedule by default, it asks for a short Move each time you open a chosen app. Choose Opal for deep-work sessions and hard blocking; choose MiniMove for a lower-priced, kinder habit loop with movement and breathing built in.
Verdict
Who should pick which?
Choose Opal if…
You need scheduled deep-work sessions with strict blocking and you are happy to pay for the full version.
Choose MiniMove if…
You want to keep your apps but make every open start with a small win, with movement and breathing built in and MiniMove+ at $49.99 a year or $119.99 for life.
Side by side
MiniMove and Opal, criterion by criterion.
| Criterion | MiniMove | Opal |
|---|---|---|
| How you unlock | One Move of 90 seconds or less (squats, a breath, a glass of water…), checked by timer, taps, motion or pedometer. No camera needed. | Focus sessions and schedules block chosen apps; Pro adds a harder-to-bypass deep focus mode. |
| Body and mind variety | 46 Moves in 4 families: Body, Breathe, Mind and Care. | Focus tools; no movement or breathing challenges. |
| Discreet mode in public | Yes: one tap swaps in an invisible Move such as a breath, an intention check or calf raises. | Not needed: blocking involves no exercise. |
| Unlock timer | Real use: 5, 15, 30 or 60 minutes spent in the app, capped at twice that on the clock. | Sessions and time limits follow a schedule or a timer. |
| Tone | Positive: Moves are earned, never paid, and skipped scrolls are celebrated. | Productivity and focus, with a daily Focus Score. |
| Free version | Core loop free forever, no account: 3 apps, 13 Moves, unlimited unlocks. | Yes, limited: a few recurring sessions and basic blocking. |
| Price (US App Store) | MiniMove+ $8.99/month or $49.99/year, each with a 7-day trial, or $119.99 once (€9.99, €59.99, €129.99). | $19.99/month, $99.99/year or $399 lifetime; rated 4.8 (73K+ ratings). Both per third-party reviews. |
| Web dashboard | Coming soon: Bank, streak and MiniScore on a big screen, with an optional account. | Not verified. |
Sources: Opal on the App Store · Opal website
Questions
Opal or MiniMove: your questions.
Is Opal free?
Opal has a limited free version; Pro costs $19.99 a month, $99.99 a year or $399 lifetime according to third-party reviews (checked 27 September 2026). MiniMove's core loop is free forever.
Does Opal need the camera?
No: Opal blocks apps on a schedule or a timer. MiniMove does not need the camera either.
Can I use Opal and MiniMove together?
You can, but two gates on the same app add friction and can get in each other's way. Pick one tool per app: for example, keep one on the apps you want to pause and MiniMove on the apps you want to earn.
Which one works in French?
MiniMove's app, site and guides are written in French. Opal's French blog pages were largely in English when we checked; see its App Store listing for app languages.
Which one counts real usage time?
MiniMove: after a Move, its window counts the minutes you actually spend in the app. Opal blocks by session and schedule instead.
Ready?
Your next scroll starts with a small win.
Free, no account. iPhone with iOS 26.5 or later.