# AppBlock vs Screen Freedom

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Screen Freedom at 100% against AppBlock's 55%. Screen Freedom also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). AppBlock's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 6 weeks) and ratings volume (6.9K vs 6). 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 Screen Freedom sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Screen Freedom holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AppBlock has 6.9K ratings behind it against 6, 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 Screen Freedom's.

AppBlock ships an update weekly, Screen Freedom every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AppBlock | Screen Freedom |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (6.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/appblock-block-apps-websites/id1515753232/reviews) | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-freedom/id1642737751/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **6.9K** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 54.8% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | **#182** | — |
| Size | 195 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MobileSoft s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/998289700) | [Emancipas, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1642737753) |

## What reviewers say

### AppBlock

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

**Currently charting:** #182 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


### Screen Freedom

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-freedom/id1642737751)

This app helps you reduce phone usage by partnering with a friend for accountability. Set screen time goals for specific apps, and they'll automatically block when you reach your limit. Your friend is notified if you try to break the goal, offering support or even the ability to deny your request.

**Highlights:** Partner accountability for screen time, Set app-specific time limits, Automatic app blocking, Friend notifications for goal breaks, Friend can deny requests to exceed limits, Track individual and partner streaks, View historical goal achievement data

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium - Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Premium - Yearly | $9.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AppBlock free?

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

### Is Screen Freedom free?

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

### Which has better reviews, AppBlock or Screen Freedom?

Screen Freedom is rated higher. AppBlock averages 4.6 out of 5 from 6.9K ratings, while Screen Freedom averages 5.0 from 6 ratings.

### Do AppBlock or Screen Freedom have ads?

AppBlock shows ads; Screen Freedom does not.

### Which is updated more often, AppBlock or Screen Freedom?

AppBlock ships an update weekly, and Screen Freedom every 6 weeks. Most recently, AppBlock was updated on October 28, 2026 and Screen Freedom on October 24, 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.*