They pioneered the pouch. We added signal-blocking.
Yondr helped make lockable phone pouches mainstream, and thousands of schools use them well. screenfree offers UAE schools a more flexible alternative, with one feature that changes the outcome: a signal-blocking option for schools where hidden connectivity is the real problem.
Yondr proved the category. screenfree builds on it.
Lockable phone pouches work, and Yondr did more than anyone to bring them into schools. The category exists in the form it does today partly because of them.
screenfree is not a reinvention of that idea. It is a more flexible version of it, built for UAE schools that want control over both access and connectivity, and the freedom to start small.
Respectful comparison. Real difference.
The point is not to attack Yondr. The point is to help UAE schools compare a managed phone-free program with a school-owned, signal-blocking pouch option.
The pouch solved the visible problem. Hotspotting is the invisible one.
A standard lockable pouch takes the phone out of a student’s hands. That solved the obvious issue. But a phone that is only locked away can still hotspot, tether, sync to a smartwatch and pull notifications while it sits in the bag.
For older students in device-heavy international schools, that is where the workarounds happen. screenfree’s signal-blocking pouch helps close that gap.
How screenfree compares to Yondr
A clean comparison for UAE schools looking at lockable phone pouches, signal-blocking options and rollout flexibility.
| Feature | screenfree | Yondr |
|---|---|---|
| Core product | Lockable phone pouches | Lockable phone pouches |
| Signal-blocking option | Yes | Not advertised in public school materials |
| Connectivity control | Helps block access and wireless signals while sealed | Blocks physical access to the phone |
| Pricing and funding | One-time purchase with flexible funding options | Usually positioned as a phone-free school program |
| Getting started | Sample pack, small batch or rollout | Usually program-led |
| Custom branding | School crest, colours and optional ID window | Offered, scope varies |
| Support | Direct, founder-led rollout support | Program support |
Information about Yondr is based on publicly available sources and may vary by region or program. Yondr is a trademark of its respective owner. screenfree is not affiliated with or endorsed by Yondr.
One-time purchase, funded the way that suits you.
screenfree is bought once, not run as an ongoing program. The pouches are yours, with no subscription and no contract to renew.
Because cost across a large cohort is usually the first question, screenfree supports three funding models, so the rollout fits how your school prefers to work.
Flexible funding options
Schools can consider school-funded, hybrid or parent-direct purchase models. Pricing is per student in AED, and we will model the option that suits your size and structure.
See funding optionsWhen Yondr may be enough
It is worth being straight about this. If your school only needs phones physically locked away, has no real issue with hotspotting or hidden connectivity, and is happy running a managed, program-based system, Yondr may already do the job.
screenfree earns its place when you want a signal-blocking option, the flexibility to test before you commit, or a one-time purchase rather than an ongoing program.
Already using Yondr?
You do not necessarily have to start over. If you are running unlocking stations already, ask us about compatibility with your existing magnetic unlocking stations, and we will tell you honestly what will and will not carry across.
Ask about compatibilityWhy UAE schools choose screenfree
screenfree gives schools a practical way to manage phones without adding another software system, subscription or complex program layer.
Signal-blocking option
Useful for schools where hotspotting, tethering and hidden connectivity are part of the problem.
One-time purchase
No subscription, no program lock-in. The pouches are school-owned infrastructure.
Start small
Begin with a sample pack or small batch before considering a wider rollout.
Custom branding
School crest, colours and optional ID window can be included.
No IT burden
No apps, dashboards, software licensing or charging required.
Direct support
Founder-led help from sample pack to implementation, with clear, practical guidance.
Common questions
Quick answers for UAE schools comparing screenfree with Yondr or other lockable phone pouch options.
Is screenfree a Yondr alternative for UAE schools?
Yes. screenfree offers lockable phone pouches for UAE schools, with the addition of a signal-blocking option and flexible, one-time purchasing.
What can a signal-blocking pouch do that a standard pouch cannot?
A signal-blocking pouch helps block mobile data, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS while the phone is sealed inside, which a standard locked pouch does not.
Are screenfree pouches compatible with existing unlocking stations?
Ask us. If you already run magnetic unlocking stations, we will confirm honestly what is compatible before you change anything.
How is screenfree priced compared with a phone-free school program?
screenfree is a one-time purchase with school-funded, hybrid and parent-direct options, rather than an ongoing program cost.
Can we test screenfree before switching?
Yes. Schools can request a qualified sample pack to test the lock, build quality and signal-blocking before discussing a wider rollout.
See it for yourself.
Request a sample pack or ask a question. We will qualify the request and advise whether screenfree is a sensible fit for your school.