Comparison

AppBlock vs Shadow

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 apps and websites. Reduce screen time, improve focus, and build healthier habits with customizable schedules and strict blocking modes. Achieve better sleep, mental health, and productivity.

Highlights
  • Block distracting apps and websites
  • Control screen time and monitor usage
  • Customizable blocking schedules
  • Strict mode to prevent bypassing restrictions
  • Detailed statistics on screen time usage
  • Focus sessions for uninterrupted work/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

Shadow

This app helps you block distracting applications on your iOS device to improve focus and productivity. It offers a "Safe Zone" for uninterrupted work and robust parental controls to manage children's screen time. Your settings are protected with Face ID and passcode.

Highlights
  • Block distracting iOS applications
  • Create a "Safe Zone" for focused work
  • Parental controls for screen time management
  • Face ID and passcode protection
  • Develop good habits
Features
Read full description

Shadow is a powerful iOS app blocker designed to help you break social media addiction, focus on deep work, and actually get things done. Set your limits, lock away distracting apps, and instantly drop your screen time. Core Features: • Block Distractions Instantly: Restrict access to social media, addictive games, and endless scrolling with strict Screen Time limits. • Create Your ‘Safe Zone’: Need to study or work? Whitelist only the essential apps you need and lock the rest away for deep, uninterrupted focus. • Strict Mode (Face ID Lock): Prevent yourself from cheating. Lock your blocking settings behind Face ID or a passcode so you stay fully committed to your digital detox. • Parental Controls: Easily set screen time limits and block specific apps to ensure a healthy digital balance for your kids. Who is Shadow For? • Students: Lock your phone during study sessions and prep for exams without TikTok or Instagram breaking your focus. • Professionals & ADHD: Create uninterrupted blocks of deep work and reclaim hours of lost productivity. • Parents: Guide and protect your child’s digital habits with foolproof app restrictions. Say goodbye to endless doomscrolling. Download Shadow today and experience the transformative impact of a focused, mindful lifestyle. Privacy Policy: https://goldencanal.nl/#privacypolicy Terms Of Use: https://goldencanal.nl/#termsofuse

Screenshots

AppBlock4 screens
Shadow4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: AppBlock at every 6 days against Shadow's every 2 months. AppBlock also leads on ratings volume (7K vs 113) and device support (3 vs 1). Shadow's advantage is review sentiment (64% vs 55%). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases 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 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Shadow sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for AppBlock against 4.7 for Shadow. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AppBlock has 7K ratings behind it against 113, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 55% of AppBlock's written reviews are positive against 64% of Shadow's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AppBlock ships an update every 6 days, Shadow every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
AppBlock versus Shadow: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAppBlockShadow
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (7K ratings)4.7 (113 ratings) — better
Positive reviews55.0% of reviews63.6% of reviews — better
Number of ratings7K — better113
Update frequencyEvery 6 days — betterEvery 2 months
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size197 MB124 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMobileSoft s.r.o.Adish Padhani

Customer experience

AppBlock

All ratings6,914 ratings
Positive89.9%
Neutral2.6%
Negative7.5%
Written reviews965 reviews
Positive55.0%
Neutral11.2%
Negative33.8%

Shadow

All ratings113 ratings
Positive93.8%
Neutral0.9%
Negative5.3%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive63.6%
Neutral9.1%
Negative27.3%

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

Shadow

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

7 purchases

AppBlock

Subscriptions7
  • Premium Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Premium Monthly$14.991 Month
  • Premium Yearly7 Days trial$29.991 Year
Show 4 more
  • Premium Yearly1 Year trial3 variants$29.991 Year
  • Premium Yearly7 Days trial2 variants$44.991 Year
  • Premium Yearly1 Year trial$44.991 Year
  • Premium Yearly7 Days trial$59.991 Year
9 purchases

Shadow

Subscriptions9
  • Weekly Subscription$1.997 Days
  • Weekly Subscription Trial7 Days trial$1.997 Days
  • Monthly Subscription$3.991 Month
Show 6 more
  • Monthly Subscription Trial7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Yearly Subscription Discount$6.991 Year
  • Yearly Subscription Discount$9.991 Year
  • Yearly Subscription Discount$17.991 Year
  • Yearly Subscription$34.991 Year
  • Yearly Subscription With Trial7 Days trial$34.991 Year

Questions

Is AppBlock free?
AppBlock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Shadow free?
Shadow is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, AppBlock or Shadow?
Shadow is rated higher. AppBlock averages 4.6 out of 5 from 7K ratings, while Shadow averages 4.7 from 113 ratings.
Do AppBlock or Shadow have ads?
Both AppBlock and Shadow show ads.
Which is updated more often, AppBlock or Shadow?
AppBlock ships an update every 6 days, and Shadow every 2 months. Most recently, AppBlock was updated on November 8, 2026 and Shadow on November 3, 2026.

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