Comparison

AppBlock vs Locked

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

Locked

This app uses a physical NFC tag to create friction and help you break phone addiction. Set app limits and lock them until you scan the tag, encouraging focus and reducing distractions.

Highlights
  • NFC-powered physical tag app blocker
  • Deep Focus Mode with no override
  • Customizable app blocking
  • Works with Apple Screen Time API
  • Minimal interface for easy setup
  • No data collection or cloud sync
Read full description

Locked is the most effective screen time control app that pairs with a physical NFC tag to help you reduce screen time, stay focused, and stop phone addiction. We all know how it goes: you sit down to work or study, and before you know it, you’re lost in a scroll loop - Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, games, notifications, distractions. Even with screen time apps (like those expensive apps, Opal, cough), it’s easy to override the limit. Your brain knows there’s no real consequence. That’s why Locked is different. Why Locked Works: According to behavioral science, friction changes behavior. Most screen time apps are low-friction - you can override limits with a tap. But with Locked, you set app limits and then lock them with a physical NFC tag. When the tag is out of reach, so are your distractions. You can’t override it unless you scan the tag. This break in the autopilot gives your rational brain a chance to intervene and choose focus. How It Works: Choose which apps to block inside the Locked app Scan your phone to the Locked Tag Your selected apps are now locked. Leave the tag at home, in a drawer, or far away Apps stay blocked until you scan the tag again to unlock them No passwords, no sneaky bypass. Just a real-world app blocker your brain respects. Benefits: Save 1–4 hours per day from less screen time Improve focus and productivity at work or school Stop phone addiction and doomscrolling habits Be more present with friends, family, and yourself Support your mental health by reducing digital overwhelm Create intentional tech boundaries that stick Build better habits with a tool that holds you accountable Reduce stress and anxiety caused by overuse Helps with ADHD and ADD Gain back control, without deleting apps or your whole phone Features: NFC NFC-powered tag that physically locks your phone’s distracting apps Works with Apple Screen Time (no shady VPNs or tracking) Deep Focus Mode: no override without the tag Custom app blocking: choose what’s locked vs what stays usable (e.g., music, maps, messages) Simple, minimal interface designed for quick setup and long-term success No data collection, no cloud sync. Your usage stays private and secure What People Are Saying: “I’ve tried everything - Focus Mode, Opal, Screen Time — but nothing worked until Locked. The physical tag makes all the difference.” “It’s like turning your phone into a brick when you need to focus.” “I didn’t realize how often I opened apps out of habit until I used Locked. Game changer for productivity and mental clarity.” Privacy & Terms: We care about your privacy. Locked does not track your app usage or personal data. All blocking is handled locally using Apple’s Screen Time API. Privacy Policy: https://nowlocked.com/policies/privacy-policy Terms of Service: https://nowlocked.com/policies/terms-of-service

Screenshots

AppBlock4 screens
Locked4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Locked at 100% against AppBlock's 55%. Locked also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and ads (none vs shown). AppBlock's advantage is ratings volume (7K vs 3) and chart position (#200 vs unranked). On price, update cadence and iOS requirement 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. Locked asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Locked holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AppBlock has 7K ratings behind it against 3, 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 Locked's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AppBlock ships an update every 6 days, Locked every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
AppBlock versus Locked: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAppBlockLocked
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (7K ratings)5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews55.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings7K — better3
Update frequencyEvery 6 days — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesAd-supported — better
Best chart rank#200 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.016.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size197 MB17 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMobileSoft s.r.o.SocialMate Pty Ltd

Customer experience

AppBlock

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

Locked

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

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

Locked

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
None

Locked

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is AppBlock free?
AppBlock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Locked free?
Locked is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, AppBlock or Locked?
Locked is rated higher. AppBlock averages 4.6 out of 5 from 7K ratings, while Locked averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.
Do AppBlock or Locked have ads?
AppBlock shows ads; Locked does not.
Which is updated more often, AppBlock or Locked?
AppBlock ships an update every 6 days, and Locked every 2 weeks. Most recently, AppBlock was updated on November 7, 2026 and Locked on November 4, 2026.

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