# Socal vs Blackout

The clearest difference is update cadence: Blackout at every 4 days against Socal's every 3 months. Socal's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

Socal ships an update every 3 months, Blackout every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Socal | Blackout |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blackout-screen-time-control/id6743734163/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **12** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 52 MB | 131 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Passion For Creation Group AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/1460527413) | [VC Studios LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1804250714) |

## What reviewers say

### Socal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/socal/id1485122473)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $24.99 | per year |
| Socal Premium | $29.99 | one-time |


### Blackout

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blackout-screen-time-control/id6743734163)

This app helps you regain control of your digital life by blocking distracting applications and enforcing focused sessions. Its intense, no-excuses timer promotes discipline for studying, working, or taking a break from your phone.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps, Uninstall protection, One-tap focus activation, Intense, no-excuses timer, Discipline and focus enhancement

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Blackout Monthly Subscription | $2.99 | per month |
| Blackout Annual | $19.99 | per year |
| Blackout Annual Subscription | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Socal free?

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

### Is Blackout free?

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

### Do Socal or Blackout have ads?

Neither Socal nor Blackout shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Socal or Blackout?

Socal ships an update every 3 months, and Blackout every 4 days. Most recently, Socal was updated on October 13, 2026 and Blackout on October 16, 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.*