# AppBlock vs Stay Focused

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Stay Focused at 100% against AppBlock's 55%. Stay Focused also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). AppBlock's advantage is ratings volume (6.8K vs 1) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AppBlock sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Stay Focused sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Stay Focused holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AppBlock has 6.8K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 55% of AppBlock's written reviews are positive against 100% of Stay Focused's.

AppBlock ships an update weekly, Stay Focused every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AppBlock | Stay Focused |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (6.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/appblock-block-apps-websites/id1515753232/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stay-focused-countdown-timer/id1581256145/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **6.8K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 54.6% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 195 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MobileSoft s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/998289700) | [Volodymyr Lisovyi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1497420593) |

## What reviewers say

### AppBlock

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

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


### Stay Focused

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stay-focused-countdown-timer/id1581256145)

This app helps you stay focused on tasks by using a motivational system where you deposit money. If you stay focused for the chosen time, you get your money back; otherwise, you lose it. It allows brief app switching with limits.

**Highlights:** Monetary motivation for focus, Customizable focus duration, Deposit and refund system, Limited app switching, Styled and powerful interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Stay Focused 500 coins | $4.99 | one-time |
| Stay Focused 1000 coins | $9.99 | one-time |
| Stay Focused 2000 coins | $19.99 | one-time |
| Stay Focused 5000 coins | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AppBlock free?

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

### Is Stay Focused free?

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

### Which has better reviews, AppBlock or Stay Focused?

Stay Focused is rated higher. AppBlock averages 4.6 out of 5 from 6.8K ratings, while Stay Focused averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do AppBlock or Stay Focused have ads?

AppBlock shows ads; Stay Focused does not.

### Which is updated more often, AppBlock or Stay Focused?

AppBlock ships an update weekly, and Stay Focused every 3 weeks. Most recently, AppBlock was updated on October 17, 2026 and Stay Focused 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.*