# AppBlock vs Checkmate

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Checkmate at 100% against AppBlock's 55%. Checkmate also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6). AppBlock's advantage is ratings volume (6.9K vs 2) and chart position (#185 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AppBlock sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Checkmate sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Checkmate holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AppBlock has 6.9K 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 100% of Checkmate's.

AppBlock ships an update weekly, Checkmate fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AppBlock | Checkmate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (6.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/appblock-block-apps-websites/id1515753232/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/checkmate-ai-task-planner/id6767040246/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **6.9K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 54.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | **#185** | — |
| Size | 195 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MobileSoft s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/998289700) | [Edge Case LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896354440) |

## What reviewers say

### AppBlock

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

**Currently charting:** #185 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


### Checkmate

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/checkmate-ai-task-planner/id6767040246)

This app offers a focused workspace for managing projects, tasks, reminders, notes, and files. It utilizes AI to assist in planning by drafting project structures and tasks from prompts. Organize your work visually with list, board, and calendar views, keeping all relevant details connected to each task.

**Highlights:** AI-assisted project planning, Task and subtask management, List, board, and calendar views, Integrated notes and files, Lightweight collaboration, Search and manage assigned work

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Checkmate | $4.99 | per month |
| Checkmate Pro (Annual) | $49.99 | per year |
| Remove Ads Forever | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AppBlock free?

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

### Is Checkmate free?

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

### Which has better reviews, AppBlock or Checkmate?

Checkmate is rated higher. AppBlock averages 4.6 out of 5 from 6.9K ratings, while Checkmate averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do AppBlock or Checkmate have ads?

Both AppBlock and Checkmate show ads.

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

AppBlock ships an update weekly, and Checkmate fortnightly. Most recently, AppBlock was updated on October 20, 2026 and Checkmate on October 12, 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.*