Second Key vs Opal
Two exits, or a third.
Opal is a polished screen-time app with strong focus analytics. It gives you two kinds of session: ones you can end whenever you like, and Deep Focus, which nobody can end. Second Key adds the missing middle: an exit someone else holds.
| Question | Opal | Second Key |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Pro) | About $99.99 a year, per independent reviews (Sept 2026) | $59.99 a year; $89.99 a year for two people |
| Ending a session early | Normal: any time. Timeout: after growing delays. Deep Focus: not at all. | Only with your keyholder’s approval — or never, with Lockdown |
| Another person in the loop | Not the core of the product | The whole product: requests, decisions, a shared weekly tally |
| Bypass attempts | — | Your keyholder is told if blocking is switched off |
| Analytics | Detailed focus scores and reports — a real strength | A simple weekly tally of nights held |
The fair version.
Opal is the better choice if you want rich statistics and can stick to a session on your own, or are happy with Deep Focus locking you in with no way out. Second Key is for people whose problem is the exit — who need an emergency door, but one someone else opens.
Pick Opal if
You want detailed analytics and a hard lock you set yourself.
Pick Second Key if
You want a way out that isn’t you — and someone who notices when you try.
Checked September 2026 against: Opal on the App Store · Opal review: is it worth $100 a year? (Blok) · Opal app review 2026 (Headway). Spotted something out of date? Tell us at hello@secondkey.link.