# AppLocker vs aLock

The clearest difference is review sentiment: aLock at 75% against AppLocker's 37%. aLock also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.3). AppLocker's advantage is ratings volume (391 vs 31). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AppLocker sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and aLock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

aLock holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AppLocker has 391 ratings behind it against 31, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 37% of AppLocker's written reviews are positive against 75% of aLock's.

AppLocker ships an update every 2 weeks, aLock every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AppLocker | aLock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (391 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/applocker-passcode-lock-apps/id1132845904/reviews) | **[4.6 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alock-app-lock/id1663668785/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **391** | 31 |
| Positive reviews | 37.3% of reviews | **75.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 37 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Denk Alexandru](https://appshunter.io/developer/551756299) | [裕涛 兰](https://appshunter.io/developer/1624361053) |

## What reviewers say

### AppLocker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/applocker-passcode-lock-apps/id1132845904)

Secure your sensitive apps with a password, Face ID, or Touch ID. Protect your privacy by preventing unauthorized access to any app on your device, including social media, banking, and photos. Features an emergency password to hide your private content.

**Highlights:** Password protect individual apps, Face ID and Touch ID support, Emergency password feature, Private gallery for photos/videos, Private notes, Removal protection

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $2.99 | per month |
| Annual Subscription | $8.99 | per year |
| Annual Subscription | $11.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Access | $12.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Access | $17.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Amazing app for restricting yourself from games
- 🔒 Good app for security
- 👍 Simple to use
- 👍 Customizable
- 👍 Useful for families

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App can be hacked
- 🐛 Doesn't work as expected
- 🐛 Impossible to uninstall
- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 🐛 Forgets password and subscription

**Reported bugs**

- Doesn't accept correct password
- Locks entire system instead of just selected apps
- Blocks access to Activity Monitor and other system tools
- Doesn't work with latest macOS updates

**Requested features**

- Option to automatically lock apps after inactivity
- Ability to reset forgotten password
- Support for Touch ID/Face ID
- Ability to lock more than one app in free version
- Option to hide app icon


### aLock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alock-app-lock/id1663668785)

Manage your screen time effectively by setting usage limits for apps and automatically restricting them when limits are reached. This app helps users, including children, focus better by blocking distractions and inappropriate content. A free trial is available for premium features.

**Highlights:** Set app usage limits, Automatic app restriction, Manual app restriction/restoration, Focus enhancement for children, Distraction blocking, Free trial for premium features

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| App Lock for 1 week | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| App Lock for 1 year | $9.99 | per year |
| App Lock Premium | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AppLocker free?

AppLocker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is aLock free?

aLock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, AppLocker or aLock?

aLock is rated higher. AppLocker averages 4.3 out of 5 from 391 ratings, while aLock averages 4.6 from 31 ratings.

### Do AppLocker or aLock have ads?

Neither AppLocker nor aLock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AppLocker or aLock?

AppLocker ships an update every 2 weeks, and aLock every 3 weeks. Most recently, AppLocker was updated on September 29, 2026 and aLock on September 11, 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.*