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Disable Shorts for YouTube vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Disable Shorts for YouTube's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Disable Shorts for YouTube
This App
1Blocker: Ad Blocker
Nemesis
ScreenZen- Screen Time Control
Contender
one sec | screen time + focus
Contender
AdGuard: Adblock, Privacy, DNS
Contender
Opal: Screen Time Control
Peer
Vinegar - Tube Cleaner
Peer
Core Identity
DeveloperYaroslav Mykhailov1Blocker LLCScreenZen LLCriedel.wtf apps S.L.Adguard Software LimitedOpal OSAnd a Dinosaur
CategorySocial NetworkingUtilitiesProductivityProductivityUtilitiesProductivityUtilities
PlatformAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidiOSiOSiOSiOS, AndroidiOS
Store Metrics
Rating1.0 / 54.5 / 54.9 / 54.8 / 54.3 / 54.8 / 54.3 / 5
Ratings Count112,43637,27622,53517,16371,389745
PriceUSD1.99FreeFreeFreeFreeFree$1.99
Release DateNov 5, 2025Apr 26, 2018Jul 16, 2021Sep 29, 2020Oct 24, 2015Dec 15, 2020Nov 6, 2021
Last UpdatedDec 31, 2025Mar 23, 2026Mar 28, 2026Mar 27, 2026Apr 14, 2026Apr 24, 2026Mar 29, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentmixedmixedexcellentpositive---
Score55/10048/10095/10062/100---
Praises
  • Core video streaming service provides high utility for casual entertainment and time-passing sessions
  • Advanced Customization
  • Cross-Device Sync
  • Effectiveness in Reducing Screen Time
  • Generous Free Model
  • Effective Habit Breaking
  • Innovative Intervention Design
---
Complaints
  • Excessive ad frequency and length disrupt the viewing experience for non-premium users
  • Core Functionality Failure
  • Subscription and Billing Issues
  • UI/UX Glitches
  • Math Challenge Difficulty
  • Subscription/Paywall Frustration
  • Technical Bugs and Reliability
---
Requests
  • Granular control settings for disabling auto-playing videos in feeds and on launch
------
Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Privacy-first local storage avoids third-party data friction
  • Granular UI toggles allow specific distraction-free environments
  • One-time purchase model avoids subscription fatigue
  • Native Safari integration for battery efficiency
  • Robust iCloud synchronization
  • Independent 'No Acceptable Ads' policy
  • Disruptive donation-supported pricing model
  • Unique Halo hardware integration
  • Robust 'Strict Block' features that prevent app deletion
  • Scientific validation (Max-Planck Institute) providing high credibility
  • Unique psychological approach (friction vs. blocking)
  • Strong integration ecosystem (Structured, Lengo, HealthKit)
---
Weaknesses
  • $1.99 price point faces competition from free ad blockers
  • Limited review volume hinders social proof
  • Single-purpose utility lacks broader productivity ecosystem
  • Inconsistent YouTube ad blocking
  • High-friction subscription/trial cancellation flow
  • Significantly lower rating on Android (3.8)
  • UI glitch with 'Open' button sensitivity
  • Overly difficult math challenge interventions
  • Less polished UI compared to premium rivals like Opal
  • Reliability issues stemming from Shortcut-based automation
  • User backlash regarding the restrictive one-app free tier
  • UI/UX perceived as less 'premium' than nemesis Opal
---
Pricingpaidfreemiumfreefreemiumfreemiumfreemiumpaid
MomentumMaintenanceMaintenanceActiveActiveIntenseIntense-
Update Cadence2 versions, ~100d avg5 versions, ~10d avg1 versions, 1 majors/6mo1 versions, 1 majors/6mo5 versions5 versions-

Compare Disable Shorts for YouTube head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Disable Shorts for YouTube, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

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