# Freedom vs Monk Mode

The clearest difference is rating: Monk Mode at 5.0 against Freedom's 4.5. Monk Mode also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and review sentiment (100% vs 64%). Freedom's advantage is ratings volume (6K vs 6). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Freedom sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month and Monk Mode sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Monk Mode holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Freedom has 6K ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of Freedom's written reviews are positive against 100% of Monk Mode's.

Freedom ships an update every 2 weeks, Monk Mode every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Freedom | Monk Mode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/freedom-screen-time-control/id1269788228/reviews) | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monk-mode-screen-time-control/id6478087947/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **6K** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 64.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 94 MB | 70 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.1** | 17.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Eighty Percent Solutions](https://appshunter.io/developer/960372430) | [Red Eye Studios](https://appshunter.io/developer/1731738238) |

## What reviewers say

### Freedom

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/freedom-screen-time-control/id1269788228)

This app helps you block distracting apps and websites to improve focus and productivity. Schedule blocking sessions across all your devices to build better screen time habits and reclaim productive hours.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps and websites, Schedule blocking sessions, Sync across all devices, Block the internet, Locked Mode for habit commitment, Focus sounds

**Features:** Safari Extension, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $8.99 | per month |
| Freedom Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Freedom Yearly Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| Freedom Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| Freedom Forever | $199.00 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Effective at blocking distractions
- 👍 Customizable blocklists
- 🔒 Locked mode prevents bypassing
- 💡 Cross-device sync
- 👍 Helpful for productivity and focus

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent blocking, doesn't always work as expected
- 🐛 Scheduled sessions don't always start automatically
- 🐛 Buggy, crashes frequently
- 🔒 Easy to bypass by disabling VPN or deleting app
- 👎 Limited app blocking on iOS

**Reported bugs**

- Blocks unintended apps/websites
- Fails to block certain apps like Facebook, Instagram
- Doesn't work in low power mode on iOS

**Requested features**

- Allow specific app whitelisting
- Add time limit/usage tracking features
- Improve scheduling options (e.g. by day, not just time)
- Better integration with mobile OS features (e.g. iOS Screen Time)


### Monk Mode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monk-mode-screen-time-control/id6478087947)

Regain control of your attention with this productivity tool that combines a minimalist phone mode with app and website blocking. Designed to combat digital distractions and enhance concentration, it helps users achieve focused work sessions.

**Highlights:** Minimalist phone mode, App blocker, Website blocker, Distraction control, Focus enhancement, 3-day free trial

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium Subscription | $3.99 | per month |
| Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Quarterly Premium Subscription | $9.99 | per 3 months |
| Yearly Premium Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Minimal Phone Feature | $9.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Membership | $9.99 | one-time |
| Bundle & Save | $14.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Plan | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Freedom free?

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

### Is Monk Mode free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Freedom or Monk Mode?

Monk Mode is rated higher. Freedom averages 4.5 out of 5 from 6K ratings, while Monk Mode averages 5.0 from 6 ratings.

### Do Freedom or Monk Mode have ads?

Neither Freedom nor Monk Mode shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Freedom or Monk Mode?

Freedom ships an update every 2 weeks, and Monk Mode every 3 weeks. Most recently, Freedom was updated on October 25, 2026 and Monk Mode on October 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.*