# AppBlock vs Echo Focus

The clearest difference is rating: AppBlock at 4.6 against Echo Focus's 3.0. AppBlock also leads on ratings volume (6.8K vs 2). Echo Focus's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AppBlock sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Echo Focus sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

AppBlock holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AppBlock has 6.8K ratings behind it against 2, 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 50% of Echo Focus's.

AppBlock ships an update weekly, Echo Focus every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AppBlock | Echo Focus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (6.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/appblock-block-apps-websites/id1515753232/reviews)** | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/echo-focus/id6756789807/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **6.8K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | **54.6% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 195 MB | 137 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MobileSoft s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/998289700) | [Alexander Luca](https://appshunter.io/developer/1862829510) |

## 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


### Echo Focus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/echo-focus/id6756789807)

This app helps you focus by tracking your sessions and sharing your progress with friends. Instead of blocking apps, it provides awareness of your distraction patterns and fosters mutual accountability within a trusted circle. It's designed for real-world work habits and offers long-term productivity insights.

**Highlights:** Live focus sessions with real-time tracking, Distraction alerts and session summaries, Long-term productivity analytics, Friend circles and shared accountability, Live Activities and Lock Screen support, Voice input for fast task capture

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Plan | $19.99 | per month |
| Echo Yearly | $69.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AppBlock free?

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

### Is Echo Focus free?

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

### Which has better reviews, AppBlock or Echo Focus?

AppBlock is rated higher. AppBlock averages 4.6 out of 5 from 6.8K ratings, while Echo Focus averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do AppBlock or Echo Focus have ads?

AppBlock shows ads; Echo Focus does not.

### Which is updated more often, AppBlock or Echo Focus?

AppBlock ships an update weekly, and Echo Focus every 5 days. Most recently, AppBlock was updated on October 17, 2026 and Echo Focus on October 15, 2026.

---

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