# AppBlock vs Pomodoro Timer

The clearest difference is ads: Pomodoro Timer at none against AppBlock's shown. Pomodoro Timer also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). AppBlock's advantage is ratings volume (6.9K vs 2) and update cadence (every 6 days vs fortnightly). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AppBlock sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Pomodoro Timer sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Pomodoro Timer holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AppBlock has 6.9K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

AppBlock ships an update every 6 days, Pomodoro Timer fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AppBlock | Pomodoro Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (6.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/appblock-block-apps-websites/id1515753232/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pomodoro-timer-deskmate/id6749470344/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **6.9K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 55.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#167** | — |
| Size | 197 MB | 157 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MobileSoft s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/998289700) | [kosuke nagadori](https://appshunter.io/developer/1830618595) |

## What reviewers say

### AppBlock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/appblock-block-apps-websites/id1515753232)

**Currently charting:** #167 Top Grossing · Productivity (US App Store)

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


### Pomodoro Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pomodoro-timer-deskmate/id6749470344)

This app helps you regain control of your focus time by blocking distracting applications and providing a customizable timer. It offers a simple, ad-free system to prevent unconscious app usage and support dedicated study or work sessions.

**Highlights:** Horizontal digital clock display, Customizable Pomodoro timer, Stopwatch functionality, Deep Focus app blocking, Ad-free experience, Horizontal desk design

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| LIGHT Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| PRO Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| LIGHT Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| PRO Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| PRO Yearly (Founder) | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AppBlock free?

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

### Is Pomodoro Timer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, AppBlock or Pomodoro Timer?

Pomodoro Timer is rated higher. AppBlock averages 4.6 out of 5 from 6.9K ratings, while Pomodoro Timer averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do AppBlock or Pomodoro Timer have ads?

AppBlock shows ads; Pomodoro Timer does not.

### Which is updated more often, AppBlock or Pomodoro Timer?

AppBlock ships an update every 6 days, and Pomodoro Timer fortnightly. Most recently, AppBlock was updated on November 4, 2026 and Pomodoro Timer on October 30, 2026.

---

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