Yes, Tonic has a real free tier. Free, you can lock two apps and earn time from one source, with every mode included. Unlimited removes both caps, so you can lock as many apps and earn from as many sources as you like, for $9.99 a month or $29.99 a year, with a 7-day free trial.
What you get for free
Tonic's free tier is a complete, working version of the app, not a locked demo. You can build a real setup and use it for as long as you like without paying. Two things are capped on free:
- Lock two apps. You can hold two apps behind your goals across everything you build. These are the apps you want to earn your way into.
- Earn from one source. You can pick one way to earn time. That can be one productive app you spend time in, or one Apple Health activity such as a workout, meditation, steps, or time in daylight. One source total, your choice of which.
Everything else is included on free. Every mode is available: you can earn your way in, build up a balance, set a limit, add a pause, or require a goal each day. Your archetype, streaks, reminders, and celebrations are all part of the free tier too. The line between free and Unlimited is how many apps and earn sources you set up, never which features you can reach.
What Unlimited adds
Unlimited removes both caps. That is the whole upgrade.
- Lock as many apps as you like. Cover your whole phone instead of just two apps.
- Earn from as many sources as you like. Earn with walking and a workout and a reading app at once, instead of picking one.
Unlimited does not unlock any new modes or hidden features. Free and Unlimited use the exact same app. Unlimited just lets you point it at more of your phone.
Free vs Unlimited at a glance
| Free | Unlimited | |
|---|---|---|
| Apps you can lock | 2 | As many as you like |
| Ways to earn time | 1 source | As many as you like |
| Every mode (earn, balance, limit, pause, daily goal) | Included | Included |
| Streaks, reminders, celebrations, your archetype | Included | Included |
| Price | $0 | $9.99/mo or $29.99/yr |
Price and free trial
Unlimited is $9.99 per month or $29.99 per year. The yearly plan works out to about $2.50 a month, so most people who stay choose it. Both plans start with a 7-day free trial, so you can try Unlimited and cancel before the trial ends if it is not for you. You can manage or cancel any time in your iPhone Settings under your Apple ID.
Why you saw the upgrade screen
If you tried to add a third app to lock, or a second way to earn, Tonic shows you the upgrade screen because that step goes past the free caps. It is letting you know, not stopping you cold.
We never quietly remove the apps you picked.
When your setup goes past the free caps, Tonic always asks first. You can choose to keep everything and start your free Unlimited trial, or keep the two apps that fit free and continue. We never trim your picks for you or drop one behind your back. Whatever you choose, your existing rituals and limits stay exactly as you left them.
If you already paid
If you subscribed to Unlimited and the app still says Free, it usually just needs a restore. See I paid for Tonic but it still says Free. To stop a subscription or ask about a refund, see how to cancel your Tonic subscription or get a refund.
Still stuck? Email [email protected].
Related: How does Tonic work? Earning your way into the apps you choose · How do I cancel my Tonic subscription or get a refund? · I paid for Tonic but it still says Free. How do I restore my purchase?