Comparison

AppBlock vs Ember

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

Ember

This app helps you block distracting applications and build better focus habits. It uses device technology to control which apps are blocked and when, supporting work, study, or rest periods. Enjoy a clean design with a privacy-first approach, as it does not track activity or collect personal data.

Highlights
  • Block distracting apps
  • One-tap focus mode
  • Schedule app blocking
  • Block apps during specific times
  • Clean and calm design
  • Privacy-first, no tracking
  • Uses Apple Screen Time technology
Features
Read full description

Stop mindless scrolling. Take back your day. Meet Ember, your personal focus companion. Most app blockers fail because they are cold, boring, or easy to switch off the moment an urge hits. Ember changes that by combining unbreakable Apple Screen Time blocking with a warm, gamified sanctuary you will actually love opening. Whether you need to study for exams, enter deep work at the office, or disconnect before sleep, Ember shields your attention so you can be fully present. HOW EMBER HELPS YOU WIN YOUR TIME BACK • Instant App Blocking Select the social media, games, or shopping apps that pull you away. Tap start and they vanish behind Ember’s shield instantly. • Smart Automated Schedules Set recurring focus blocks for mornings, work hours, or bedtime. Ember shields distractions automatically every single day without you lifting a finger. • Unbreakable Locked Mode When temptation strikes, Locked Mode requires a 15 minute countdown before you can pause your session. That short delay breaks the dopamine loop and keeps your willpower intact. • Keep the Fire Lit Every minute of focus feeds your campfire. Complete sessions to build daily streaks, kindle warm embers, and earn peaceful milestone badges. • The Den Sanctuary Level up your cozy mountain cabin as you focus. Unlock eight handcrafted decor upgrades including wool blankets, steaming herbal tea, antique journals, a stone hearth, and a shimmering starlit aurora. • Soothing Cabin Atmospheres Pair your focus sessions with calming ambient audio like crackling hearth embers, peaceful rain, and quiet nighttime soundscapes. • Home and Lock Screen Widgets Check your focus streak and daily progress at a glance without ever getting sucked into your phone. Add widgets to your Home Screen, Lock Screen, and Control Center. • 100% Private and Secure Your privacy comes first. Ember uses Apple Screen Time technology running entirely on device. We never track, inspect, or store your app usage or browsing history. Everything stays yours. PERFECT FOR • College students and professionals needing deep study sessions • Anyone looking to break social media and doomscrolling addiction • Remote workers seeking structured work boundaries • Mindful individuals creating quiet evenings and better sleep hygiene EMBER PRO Upgrade to Ember Pro to unlock unlimited app blocking, unlimited schedules, strict Locked Mode, and all cozy soundscapes. Privacy Policy: https://focusshieldapp.web.app/privacy Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

AppBlock4 screens
Ember4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: AppBlock at 55% against Ember's 0%. AppBlock also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 3 weeks) and chart position (#175 vs unranked). Ember's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model 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 and Ember sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AppBlock ships an update every 6 days, Ember every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
AppBlock versus Ember: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAppBlockEmber
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (6.9K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews55.0% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings6.9K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 days — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
Best chart rank#175 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size197 MB28 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperMobileSoft s.r.o.Lahiru Chathuranga

Customer experience

AppBlock

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

Ember

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

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

Ember

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
2 purchases

Ember

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Plan3 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Annual Plan$14.991 Year

Questions

Is AppBlock free?
AppBlock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Ember free?
Ember is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do AppBlock or Ember have ads?
AppBlock shows ads; Ember does not.
Which is updated more often, AppBlock or Ember?
AppBlock ships an update every 6 days, and Ember every 3 weeks. Most recently, AppBlock was updated on November 4, 2026 and Ember on October 31, 2026.

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