# Block & Flow vs OptiListen

The clearest difference is rating: OptiListen at 5.0 against Block & Flow's 3.9. OptiListen also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 17.6). Block & Flow's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (77 vs 3). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Block & Flow sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per month. OptiListen asks for nothing beyond the download.

OptiListen holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Block & Flow has 77 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Block & Flow ships an update every 3 weeks, OptiListen every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Block & Flow | OptiListen |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (77 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/block-and-flow-pomodoro-timer/id1018884302/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optilisten/id1593948410/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **77** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 71.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 7 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [One foot after the other Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/495575744) | [Christian Crumlish](https://appshunter.io/developer/1593948412) |

## What reviewers say

### Block & Flow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/block-and-flow-pomodoro-timer/id1018884302)

This app helps you boost productivity by breaking down tasks into focused work intervals with scheduled breaks. It visualizes your progress and helps you understand where your time goes, encouraging consistent accomplishment.

**Highlights:** 25-minute visual countdown timer, Scheduled breaks for energy management, Track daily and weekly block completion, Color-code blocks for activities, Set intentional goals, View time history, Adjustable block duration

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $2.49 | per month |
| Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly with Trial | $19.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and intuitive user interface
- 🎨 Visually appealing design with color-coded categories
- 📊 Effective visual progress tracking with blocks
- 🎯 Helps maintain focus and productivity
- ⏱️ Flexible Pomodoro timer customization

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Aggressive shift to mandatory subscription model
- 😤 Lack of loyalty for early paying customers
- 🚫 No free version or basic functionality available
- ⚠️ Misleading app store description about Pro requirement
- 🔄 Blocks disappear when switching between apps

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch (reported February 2024)
- Blocks reset when switching to other apps
- Blocks disappear from history after completion
- Timer stops inexplicably during use
- Subscription status not recognized after reinstall

**Requested features**

- Customizable work block duration (not just 25 minutes)
- Ability to edit task descriptions from previous days
- Change block categories retroactively
- Do-not-disturb mode activation with blocks
- Watch app or Apple Watch complication


### OptiListen

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optilisten/id1593948410)

Enhance your listening abilities with this straightforward application. Track your progress during audio or video calls and build your skills over time. It's designed for anyone looking to improve their active listening.

**Highlights:** Set listening goals, Track session results, Build listening skills, Use with audio/video calls, Local data storage

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Block & Flow free?

Block & Flow is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is OptiListen free?

OptiListen is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Block & Flow or OptiListen?

OptiListen is rated higher. Block & Flow averages 3.9 out of 5 from 77 ratings, while OptiListen averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Block & Flow or OptiListen have ads?

Neither Block & Flow nor OptiListen shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Block & Flow or OptiListen?

Block & Flow ships an update every 3 weeks, and OptiListen every 6 months. Most recently, Block & Flow was updated on November 1, 2026 and OptiListen on November 3, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*