Comparison

Freedom vs StepBloc

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Freedom

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
Read full description

Block distracting apps and websites so you can focus, be more productive, and build better screen time habits. We've built the world's best app and website blocker, trusted by over 3 million individuals and teams to deliver focused attention for the things that matter most. During a Freedom session, when you attempt to open an app or website on your blocklist, Freedom blocks the app from opening and displays a peaceful green screen - reminding you that you're currently free of that distraction. Freedom users report gaining an average of 2.5 hours of productive time every day. They're more fulfilled, happier with work and family life, and have a healthier relationship with their technology. Schedule a Freedom app blocking session to start automatically when you need it – for complete, seamless control over distractions. Because Freedom works across all your devices, you'll feel confident knowing you're in complete control. We call it mindful productivity. There's no limit to the number of devices (including phones, tablets, and computers) you can connect to Freedom, so you can block apps and websites regardless of where you are or what you're doing. You'll stay focused, productive, and distraction-free. "Our favorite distraction-killing app blocker." – Lifehacker "One antidote to the always-on life is Freedom…" – Time Magazine "As Freedom shows, the solution to the problems created by technology isn't anti-technology, but more and better technology." – Huffington Post "Freedom has garnered celeb fans like Dave Eggers, Nick Hornby, Seth Godin, and Nora Ephron." – Mashable PEACE OF MIND - COVER EVERY DEVICE - For one price, Freedom covers all your devices (phones, tablets, and computers) with our powerful distraction-blocking technology. TURN OFF THE NOISE - BLOCK APPS and WEBSITES - Block distracting apps and websites for as long as you want. Select from a pre-made blocklist or create a custom blocklist of your time-consuming distractions. EXPERIENCE TOTAL PEACE - BLOCK THE INTERNET - Block the internet with a single button. Enjoy peace, quiet, and focus, away from all distractions. Freedom won't block important texts or calls, so you can enjoy offline time knowing you can be reached if need be! SMART COVERAGE - SYNC ACROSS YOUR DEVICES - Distractions aren't limited to your phone! Sync block sessions to your phones, tablets, and computers. There's no limit to the number of devices you can use. CREATE GOOD HABITS - USE POWERFUL SCHEDULING - Schedule your blocks now, later, or create recurring blocks to help make focus and productivity a habit. LOCKED MODE - Use Locked Mode to commit to breaking bad digital habits and addictions. FOCUS SOUNDS - Free audio tracks give you an assortment of music, café, office, and nature sounds to help you stay focused and productive, no matter where you are. We're excited about helping you be the best version of yourself. We're continually building new tools - and they're always included in your subscription. We've also got a great Perks program which offers discounts on top productivity products. SUBSCRIPTION PRICING AND TERMS We’re confident that you’ll love Freedom, but just so you can be sure, we offer a 7-day free trial of Freedom Premium. After that it’s only $39.99 per year. Many Freedom users tell us it pays for itself within a few days! These prices are for United States customers. Pricing in other countries may vary and actual charges may be converted to your local currency depending on the country of residence. Your Freedom subscription will automatically renew at the end of each term and your credit card will be charged through your iTunes account. Your subscription will automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can turn off auto-renew at any time from your iTunes account settings. Terms and Conditions - https://freedom.to/terms Privacy Policy - https://freedom.to/privacy Thank you!

About

StepBloc

This app helps you reduce screen time by requiring physical activity to unlock distracting apps. Earn your app access by completing workouts like push-ups, squats, or reaching step goals. Take control of your digital habits and improve your health simultaneously.

Highlights
  • Earn app access through push-ups, squats, or steps
  • Block distracting apps until goals are met
  • App blocking scheduler
  • Set daily usage limits
  • Track focus minutes
  • Digital habit insights and reports
  • HealthKit integration for step tracking
Features
Read full description

StepBloc lets you earn your screen time by doing Push-ups, Squats and other workouts. For example, you need to do 10 push-ups to use instagram for 10 mins. Just follow 3 simple steps: +Choose the distracting apps. +Set your goal (Push-ups, Squats, or Steps). +Move! Apps stay blocked until your goal is hit. Why should you download StepBloc? + Control how much time you spend on distracting apps. + Reduce your screen time. + Stay healthy by staying active. + Reclaim your focus. Key Features: + Steps to unblock: Distracted apps are blocked unless you completed required number of steps. + Push-Ups to unblock: Distracted apps are blocked unless you completed required number of Push-Ups. + Squats to unblock: Distracted apps are blocked unless you completed required number of Squats. + App Blocking Scheduler: Set specific times to block distracting apps, ensuring uninterrupted focus during work, study, or leisure time. + Usage Limits: Define daily usage limits for your distracted apps. + Focus Tracker: Measure your daily focus minutes and block distracting apps until you complete your focus minute target. + Insights: Gain valuable insights into your digital habits with detailed analytics and reports. + Secure and Private: Rest assured that your data is safe with StepBloc. All of your data stays in the device. Take control of your digital distractions, reclaim your focus, and unlock your full potential with StepBloc. Download now and experience the transformative power of mindful device management! The Monthly Pass Subscribe to monthly pass to get unlimited access to blocks. - Your payment will be charged to your iTunes Account as soon as you confirm your purchase. - Your subscription will renew automatically unless you turn off auto-renew at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. - When you cancel a subscription, your subscription will stay active until the end of the period. - While cancelling, Auto-renewal will be disabled, but the current subscription will not be refunded By using the app, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use: Terms: https://hamsters.tech/stepbloc-t-c Privacy: https://hamsters.tech/stepbloc-privacy-policy HealthKit Integration: StepBloc accesses your step count data from HealthKit to incentivize healthy habits. By linking your daily step count with app usage, StepBloc rewards you with app access based on your physical activity level. This integration encourages movement and ensures that you strike a balance between screen time and physical wellness. Note: HealthKit data is used only if user decides to use Step Block as the blocking method in app.

Screenshots

Freedom4 screens
StepBloc4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is monetization model: StepBloc at freemium against Freedom's subscription. Freedom's advantage is ratings volume (5.9K vs 485) and chart position (#182 vs unranked). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Freedom sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month and StepBloc sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.4 for Freedom against 4.5 for StepBloc. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Freedom has 5.9K ratings behind it against 485, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 64% and 64% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Freedom ships an update every 9 days, StepBloc weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
Freedom versus StepBloc: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFreedomStepBloc
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (5.9K ratings)4.5 (485 ratings) — better
Positive reviews63.6% of reviews63.9% of reviews — better
Number of ratings5.9K — better485
Update frequencyEvery 9 daysWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationSubscriptionFreemium — better
Best chart rank#182 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.116.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size90 MB32 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEighty Percent SolutionsHamsters Technology

Customer experience

Freedom

All ratings5,878 ratings
Positive85.3%
Neutral3.1%
Negative11.7%
Written reviews1,328 reviews
Positive63.6%
Neutral7.8%
Negative28.7%

StepBloc

All ratings485 ratings
Positive87.4%
Neutral5.4%
Negative7.2%
Written reviews61 reviews
Positive63.9%
Neutral8.2%
Negative27.9%

User reviews

Freedom

From 5.9K App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

  • 🐛 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

StepBloc

From 485 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Blocks apps very well
  • 👍 Free to use
  • 👍 Innovative concept
  • 👍 Effective screen time reduction
  • 👍 Motivates exercise

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Push-up/squat tracking issues
  • 🐛 Daily limits in free version
  • 🐛 Limited free features
  • 🐛 Unintuitive timer
  • 🐛 Lacking features

Bugs and requests

Freedom

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

4 requests
  • 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)

StepBloc

Reported bugs

12 issues
  • Push-up counter can be cheated
  • Squat counter can be cheated
  • App keeps blocks after deletion
  • Push-up system is faulty
  • Squats not registered correctly
Show 7 more
  • Screen time rate incorrect
  • Analytics tab blank
  • Freezes phone
  • Push-up tracking measures face distance
  • App still blocks after exercise
  • Screen time shown is incorrect
  • Lifetime unlock price high

Requested features

14 requests
  • Accumulate screen time
  • Start day with screen time
  • Reset banked steps daily
  • Widget for progress tracking
  • Macbook app
Show 9 more
  • Nose detection mode
  • More exercise options (sit-ups, pull-ups)
  • Edit workouts for specific days
  • Bank minutes/time
  • Face-on push-up tracking
  • Camera tracking for exercises
  • Set multiple rules for exercise/time
  • See time left until next exercise
  • More free features

In-app purchases

6 purchases

Freedom

Subscriptions5
  • Monthly Subscription$8.991 Month
  • Freedom Monthly$12.991 Month
  • Freedom Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$39.991 Year
Show 2 more
  • Yearly Subscription1 Year trial$39.991 Year
  • Freedom Yearly7 Days trial$59.991 Year
One-time1
  • Freedom Forever$199.00
3 purchases

StepBloc

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Pass$3.991 Month
  • Premium Pass7 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime$29.99

Questions

Is Freedom free?
Freedom is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is StepBloc free?
StepBloc is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Freedom or StepBloc?
StepBloc is rated higher. Freedom averages 4.4 out of 5 from 5.9K ratings, while StepBloc averages 4.5 from 485 ratings.
Do Freedom or StepBloc have ads?
Neither Freedom nor StepBloc shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Freedom or StepBloc?
Freedom ships an update every 9 days, and StepBloc weekly. Most recently, Freedom was updated on September 24, 2026 and StepBloc on September 20, 2026.

Other comparisons