Comparison

AppBlock vs SelfBlock

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 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
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

SelfBlock

Features
Read full description

Every blocker fails the same way: you turn it off. SelfBlock doesn't let you. When you try to open a blocked app, a friend gets the request — and they decide. No friend available? Ask the anonymous community instead. Someone always answers. ► BUDDY SYSTEM When you try to open a blocked app, your buddy gets a request. They set the time and decide for you. They can respond instantly from a notification or Apple Watch. ► COMMUNITY MODE Don't want to assign a friend? Get anonymous support from the community. A random user reviews your request. Your identity stays hidden. ► 5 BLOCKING MODES – Full Block: Completely prevent app access – Schedule: Auto-block during work, study, or sleep hours – Usage Limit: Set daily time limits per app – Open Limit: Control how many times you open an app – Solo Mode: Manage with your own willpower ► BLOCK ANY APP Block YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X (Twitter), Facebook, Reddit, WhatsApp, Discord and any distracting app or website. ► LIVE FOCUS TRACKING – Daily focus moment counter and day streak – Weekly report with progress summary – Daily check-in to track your mood – Home screen widgets and Live Activity support ► APPLE WATCH Approve or reject requests from your wrist. Track focus stats right from your watch face. ► CUSTOM SHIELD THEMES Personalize your block screen with 6 themes and custom colors. ► STRICT MODE Prevent bypassing blocks with PIN code, wait timer, or time lock. Extra protection options: block app installs, deletions, and in-app purchases. ► PRIVACY FIRST SelfBlock uses Apple's Screen Time API (Family Controls). Your data stays on your device. No tracking, no ads. ► FREE TO START Download free and start using right away. Go Pro for unlimited buddy and community mode, custom themes, weekly reports, strict mode, and more. SelfBlock works as a screen time blocker, app blocker, phone addiction tool, digital detox app, focus timer, social media blocker, dopamine detox aid, website blocker, app lock, and productivity tool. Compatible with Apple Watch and Home Screen widgets. Terms of Use: https://ismailpalalii.github.io/selfblock-site/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://ismailpalalii.github.io/selfblock-site/privacy.html

Screenshots

AppBlock4 screens
SelfBlock4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: SelfBlock at none against AppBlock's shown. AppBlock's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs monthly) and chart position (#182 vs unranked). On price, in-app purchases, device support 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 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and SelfBlock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AppBlock ships an update weekly, SelfBlock monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
AppBlock versus SelfBlock: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAppBlockSelfBlock
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (6.9K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews54.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings6.9K — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterMonthly
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank#182 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, Apple Watch
Requires iOS17.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size195 MB58 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMobileSoft s.r.o.ismail Hakki Palali

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

SelfBlock

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

10 purchases

AppBlock

Subscriptions9
  • Premium Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Premium Monthly$11.991 Month
  • Premium Monthly$14.991 Month
Show 6 more
  • Premium Yearly7 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Premium Yearly1 Year trial5 variants$29.991 Year
  • AppBlock Premium14 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Premium Yearly7 Days trial$44.991 Year
  • Premium Yearly1 Year trial$49.991 Year
  • Premium Yearly7 Days trial$59.991 Year
One-time1
  • Premium Lifetime$89.99
3 purchases

SelfBlock

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Monthly$4.491 Month
  • Pro Yearly3 Days trial$27.491 Year
One-time1
  • Pro Lifetime$82.99

Questions

Is AppBlock free?
AppBlock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SelfBlock free?
SelfBlock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do AppBlock or SelfBlock have ads?
AppBlock shows ads; SelfBlock does not.
Which is updated more often, AppBlock or SelfBlock?
AppBlock ships an update weekly, and SelfBlock monthly. Most recently, AppBlock was updated on October 28, 2026 and SelfBlock on October 25, 2026.

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