# AppBlock vs Screen Time Control

The clearest difference is rating: AppBlock at 4.6 against Screen Time Control's 3.9. AppBlock also leads on ratings volume (6.7K vs 7) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 weeks). Screen Time Control's advantage is review sentiment (80% vs 54%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AppBlock sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Screen Time Control sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

AppBlock holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AppBlock has 6.7K ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 54% of AppBlock's written reviews are positive against 80% of Screen Time Control's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

AppBlock ships an update every 5 days, Screen Time Control every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and June 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AppBlock | Screen Time Control |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (6.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/appblock-block-apps-websites/id1515753232/reviews)** | [3.9 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-limitup/id6599848430/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **6.7K** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | 54.1% of reviews | **80.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 193 MB | 47 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) | [Perpetio OU](https://appshunter.io/developer/1465591634) |

## 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


### Screen Time Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-limitup/id6599848430)

This app helps you master your screen time and boost productivity by tracking usage, blocking distracting apps, and setting custom goals. It offers personalized insights and challenges to encourage healthier digital habits and a better online-offline balance.

**Highlights:** Smart screen time tracking, App blocking for focus sessions, Customizable time limits, App impact scoring, Friendly competition and challenges, Detailed usage analytics

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AppBlock free?

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

### Is Screen Time Control free?

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

### Which has better reviews, AppBlock or Screen Time Control?

AppBlock is rated higher. AppBlock averages 4.6 out of 5 from 6.7K ratings, while Screen Time Control averages 3.9 from 7 ratings.

### Do AppBlock or Screen Time Control have ads?

Both AppBlock and Screen Time Control show ads.

### Which is updated more often, AppBlock or Screen Time Control?

AppBlock ships an update every 5 days, and Screen Time Control every 3 weeks. Most recently, AppBlock was updated on September 26, 2026 and Screen Time Control on June 20, 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.*