# AppBlock vs ScreenZen

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.

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.

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.

AppBlock ships an update every 5 days, ScreenZen every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | AppBlock | ScreenZen |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (6.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/appblock-block-apps-and-website/id1515753232/reviews) | **[4.9 (49K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 6.7K | **49K** |
| Positive reviews | 53.9% of reviews | **93.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #181 | **#171** |
| Size | 193 MB | 159 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MobileSoft s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/998289700) | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) |

## What reviewers say

### AppBlock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/appblock-block-apps-and-website/id1515753232)

**Currently charting:** #181 Top Grossing · Productivity (US App Store)

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:** Safari Extension, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium Monthly | $11.99 | per month |
| Premium Monthly | $14.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| AppBlock Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly | $44.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| Premium Lifetime | $89.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

- 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

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222)

**Currently charting:** #171 Top Free · Productivity (US App Store)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Kind Tip | $5.00 | one-time |
| Generous Tip | $10.00 | one-time |
| Amazing Tip | $20.00 | one-time |
| Fantastic Tip | $40.00 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

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


## Frequently asked 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 25, 2026 and ScreenZen on September 25, 2026.

### Which is more popular, AppBlock or ScreenZen?

AppBlock currently peaks at #181 in the App Store charts, and ScreenZen at #171. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*