# AppBlock vs ChessZen

The clearest difference is ads: ChessZen at none against AppBlock's shown. AppBlock's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 weeks) and chart position (#182 vs unranked). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AppBlock sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and ChessZen sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $19.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

AppBlock ships an update weekly, ChessZen every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AppBlock | ChessZen |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| 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 | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Best chart rank | **#182** | — |
| Size | 195 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.5 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MobileSoft s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/998289700) | [Jake Edwards](https://appshunter.io/developer/1892605821) |

## What reviewers say

### AppBlock

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

**Currently charting:** #182 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


### ChessZen

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chesszen-screen-time-control/id6762036494)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Chess Blocker Premium – Annual | $19.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AppBlock free?

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

### Is ChessZen free?

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

### Do AppBlock or ChessZen have ads?

AppBlock shows ads; ChessZen does not.

### Which is updated more often, AppBlock or ChessZen?

AppBlock ships an update weekly, and ChessZen every 2 weeks. Most recently, AppBlock was updated on October 28, 2026 and ChessZen 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.*