# AppBlock vs Maker Journal

The clearest difference is price: AppBlock at Free against Maker Journal's $1.99. AppBlock also leads on chart position (#174 vs unranked). Maker Journal's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 14) and ads (none vs shown). On device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

AppBlock is free to download; Maker Journal costs $1.99 up front. AppBlock sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Maker Journal asks for nothing beyond the download.

AppBlock ships an update weekly, Maker Journal every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AppBlock | Maker Journal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| Rating | **[4.6 (6.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/appblock-block-apps-websites/id1515753232/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **6.9K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 54.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Best chart rank | **#174** | — |
| Size | 195 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [MobileSoft s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/998289700) | [James Armstrong](https://appshunter.io/developer/1840691031) |

## What reviewers say

### AppBlock

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

**Currently charting:** #174 Top Grossing · Productivity (US App Store)

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


### Maker Journal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maker-journal/id6756631515)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AppBlock free?

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

### Is Maker Journal free?

Maker Journal costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do AppBlock or Maker Journal have ads?

AppBlock shows ads; Maker Journal does not.

### Which is updated more often, AppBlock or Maker Journal?

AppBlock ships an update weekly, and Maker Journal every 3 days. Most recently, AppBlock was updated on October 27, 2026 and Maker Journal on October 8, 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.*