# AppBlock vs Locked

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 device support (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AppBlock sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Locked asks for nothing beyond the download.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | AppBlock | Locked |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/appblock-block-apps-websites/id1515753232/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/locked-less-screen-time/id6742744610/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **7K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 55.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 197 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.4** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MobileSoft s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/998289700) | [SocialMate Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1799698906) |

## 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


### Locked

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/locked-less-screen-time/id6742744610)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


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