# AppBlock vs Shadow

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | AppBlock | Shadow |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/appblock-block-apps-websites/id1515753232/reviews) | **[4.7 (113 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-block-apps-and-focus/id1671650132/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **7K** | 113 |
| Positive reviews | 55.0% of reviews | **63.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 197 MB | 124 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MobileSoft s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/998289700) | [Adish Padhani](https://appshunter.io/developer/992727409) |

## 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 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:** Safari Extension, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium Monthly | $14.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly | $44.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly | $44.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly | $59.99 | per year |

**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


### Shadow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-block-apps-and-focus/id1671650132)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Subscription Trial | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription | $3.99 | per month |
| Monthly Subscription Trial | $3.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription Discount | $6.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription Discount | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription Discount | $17.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $34.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription With Trial | $34.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*