Comparison

AppBlock vs ScreenZen

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

Head to head
About

AppBlock

This app helps you regain control of your digital life by blocking distracting applications and websites. It offers customizable schedules and strict modes to reduce screen time, improve focus, and support healthier digital habits.

Highlights
  • Block distracting apps
  • Block time-wasting websites
  • Control screen time
  • Customizable blocking schedules
  • Strict mode to prevent bypassing restrictions
  • Detailed statistics on screen time usage
  • Focus sessions for work and study
Features
Read full description

► 15,000,000+ satisfied users ► 63% less screen time in the first week ► Save up to 3 hours every day AppBlock is the ultimate app blocker that helps you block apps, reduce screen time, and manage social media distractions so you can focus on what truly matters. Our app creates a positive impact on your digital wellbeing. Whether you need a productivity boost, want to unplug in your free time, or looking for a focused study environment, AppBlock gives you full control of your digital habits. ► CONTROL YOUR SCREEN TIME Cut down on wasted time and build a healthier relationship with your devices. Use custom templates to block the apps that distract you most during the day, stop doomscrolling on social media, and reduce your screen time. Our users reported 63% less screen time in just two weeks. Yes, it’s true! Try it yourself and thank us later. ► WHY APPBLOCK? – Block Apps: Cut access to social media, games, or anything that pulls you away from your goals. – Website Blocker: Restrict time-wasting websites or unwanted content. – Screen Time Control: Monitor and limit app usage to maintain a balanced life. – Customizable Blocking Schedules: Automatically block apps based on time, location, or Wi-Fi. – App Open Limits: Decide how long you can use certain apps to stay in control. – Strict Mode: Stay committed by preventing yourself from bypassing restrictions. – Allowlist: Keep essential apps available while blocking distractions. – Quick Block: Need instant focus? Tap once to block apps and websites right away. ► STAY PRODUCTIVE & FOCUSED AppBlock helps you manage your screen time and remove digital distractions so you can focus on what really matters. – Improve Sleep: Reduce late-night phone use for better rest. – Support Mental Health: Stay calm and mindful with fewer interruptions. – Boost Productivity: Block time-wasting apps and websites to stay on task. – Study Better: Encourage a distraction-free learning environment. – Unplug in Free Time: Enjoy hobbies, family, and friends without constant notifications. ► ADVANCED TOOLS & INSIGHTS – Detailed Statistics: Discover where your screen time goes and identify what distracts you most. – Focus Sessions: Automatically silence notifications and block apps during key work or study periods. – Time Management: Create daily structure for balanced digital use. – AppBlock for Desktop: Stay productive on PC or Mac with browser extensions that block distracting sites. – Get the extension: https://appblock.app/extensions ► #1 BLOCKER – SAFE BROWSING Create a secure and distraction-free experience by using AppBlock. With one tap, block apps, websites for safer and more mindful screen use. ► FREE TO USE – START TODAY AppBlock is free to download and packed with everything you need to build healthier digital habits and reclaim your time in just a few taps. Discover why our app blocker has over 15,000,000 success stories. ► PRIVACY FIRST Your privacy is our top priority. AppBlock uses Apple’s Screen Time API for secure content blocking. Your personal data stays private and is never shared. ► CONTACT & SUPPORT Email — support@appblock.app Website — www.appblock.app ► TERMS & PRIVACY Terms of Use — https://appblock.app/terms-of-use-app-store Privacy Policy — https://appblock.app/privacy-policy-app-store

About

ScreenZen

This app offers multiple strategies to help you reduce screen time and control app usage. Features include delayed app opening, timed scrolling interruptions, and customizable app limits. It also provides options for strict blocking, settings protection, and encourages mindful breaks.

Highlights
  • Delayed app opening
  • Scrolling interruption
  • Set app goals and limits
  • Configurable daily schedules
  • Strict app blocking
  • Screen time tracking for distracting apps
  • Settings protection locks
Features
Read full description

Multiple strategies to reduce your screentime 1. Delay before opening your app: A bit of time before choosing if you need to open your distracting app. You can have the wait time increase each time you open your app. 2. Interrupt your scrolling: Check your distracting apps for short periods of time so you don't get sucked in. 3. Set an app goal and optionally block when you reach your limit. 4. Configurable for different days of the week and time by app. 5. Messages like "Is this important" before opening your app. 6. See your screen time for only your distracting apps. Don't worry about Google Maps bloating up your time. 7. Strict block your apps: Either for time ranges, after a certain number of opens or ScreenTime. 8. Locks on Settings to prevent you from changing your settings when you want to open an app. 9. Breathing and other activities to encourage you not to need to open the app while waiting for it to unlock. 10. Streaks to encourage you not to exceed your limits or override your settings.

Screenshots

AppBlock4 screens
ScreenZen4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ScreenZen at 93% against AppBlock's 54%. ScreenZen also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.9 vs 4.6). AppBlock's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and chart position 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. AppBlock sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and ScreenZen sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ScreenZen holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScreenZen has 49K ratings behind it against 6.7K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 54% of AppBlock's written reviews are positive against 93% of ScreenZen's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AppBlock ships an update every 5 days, ScreenZen every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
AppBlock versus ScreenZen: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAppBlockScreenZen
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (6.7K ratings)4.9 (49K ratings) — better
Positive reviews53.9% of reviews93.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings6.7K49K — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 days — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#189#159 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS17.016.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size193 MB159 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMobileSoft s.r.o.ScreenZen LLC

Customer experience

AppBlock

All ratings6,678 ratings
Positive89.7%
Neutral2.7%
Negative7.7%
Written reviews918 reviews
Positive53.9%
Neutral11.7%
Negative34.4%

ScreenZen

All ratings48,969 ratings
Positive97.2%
Neutral1.2%
Negative1.6%
Written reviews6,446 reviews
Positive93.4%
Neutral2.7%
Negative3.9%

User reviews

AppBlock

From 6.7K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Effective at blocking apps
  • 🚀 Helps reduce screen time and improve productivity
  • 💡 Strict mode prevents bypassing of restrictions
  • 🔒 Difficult to uninstall the app
  • 🎉 Game-changer for managing phone addiction

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Blocking not always consistent or reliable
  • 🔓 Easy to bypass restrictions by disabling Screen Time permissions
  • 💰 Premium version required for full functionality
  • 🤔 Confusing or limited free version
  • 🔋 High battery consumption

ScreenZen

From 49K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Completely reversed my scrolling addiction
  • 🚀 Helps manage screen time
  • 👍 Excellent app, easy to use
  • 👍 Genuinely the best screentime app out there
  • 👍 Effective in avoiding doom scrolling

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Buggy, sometimes doesn't unlock apps
  • 🐛 Notifications can't break through
  • 🐛 Inconsistent UI across devices

Bugs and requests

AppBlock

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Scheduled blocks not always activating properly
  • App crashing or becoming unresponsive
  • Inconsistent behavior when switching between modes

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add ability to block Safari and other browsers
  • Implement syncing across devices
  • Provide more granular control over blocking schedules
  • Show remaining time for app limits
  • Make strict mode truly unbreakable

ScreenZen

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Unlock button not working as expected
  • App stops working after some time
  • Compatibility issues with iOS 16 update

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add more customization options
  • Integrate with productivity/to-do apps
  • Add more pause/break options
  • Improve website blocking functionality

In-app purchases

10 purchases

AppBlock

Subscriptions9
  • Premium Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Premium Monthly$11.991 Month
  • Premium Monthly$14.991 Month
Show 6 more
  • Premium Yearly7 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Premium Yearly1 Year trial5 variants$29.991 Year
  • AppBlock Premium14 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Premium Yearly7 Days trial$44.991 Year
  • Premium Yearly1 Year trial$49.991 Year
  • Premium Yearly7 Days trial$59.991 Year
One-time1
  • Premium Lifetime$89.99
4 purchases

ScreenZen

One-time4
  • Kind Tip$5.00
  • Generous Tip$10.00
  • Amazing Tip$20.00
Show 1 more
  • Fantastic Tip$40.00

Questions

Is AppBlock free?
AppBlock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ScreenZen free?
ScreenZen is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, AppBlock or ScreenZen?
ScreenZen is rated higher. AppBlock averages 4.6 out of 5 from 6.7K ratings, while ScreenZen averages 4.9 from 49K ratings.
Do AppBlock or ScreenZen have ads?
AppBlock shows ads; ScreenZen does not.
Which is updated more often, AppBlock or ScreenZen?
AppBlock ships an update every 5 days, and ScreenZen every 3 weeks. Most recently, AppBlock was updated on September 23, 2026 and ScreenZen on September 24, 2026.
Which is more popular, AppBlock or ScreenZen?
AppBlock currently peaks at #189 in the App Store charts, and ScreenZen at #159. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

Other comparisons