# AppBlock vs Takeback

The clearest difference is rating: Takeback at 5.0 against AppBlock's 4.6. Takeback also leads on review sentiment (75% vs 55%). AppBlock's advantage is ratings volume (7K vs 2) and chart position (#195 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AppBlock sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Takeback sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Takeback holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AppBlock has 7K 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 75% of Takeback's.

AppBlock ships an update every 6 days, Takeback every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AppBlock | Takeback |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/appblock-block-apps-websites/id1515753232/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/takeback-hardcore-screen-time/id6775691812/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **7K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 55.0% of reviews | **75.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Every 9 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#195** | — |
| Size | 197 MB | 86 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MobileSoft s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/998289700) | [Gatarn Games Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/820626380) |

## What reviewers say

### AppBlock

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

**Currently charting:** #195 Top Grossing · Productivity (US App Store)

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:** Safari Extension, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium Monthly | $14.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly | $44.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly | $44.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly | $59.99 | per year |

**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


### Takeback

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/takeback-hardcore-screen-time/id6775691812)

This app uses an AI coach to help you quit doomscrolling and regain control of your phone usage. It offers various modes to restrict access to social apps, requiring valid reasons for entry and learning your scrolling habits to adjust your plan.

**Highlights:** AI-powered screen time coaching, Customizable app access modes, Reason-based app entry, Adaptive daily limits, Earn extra time through activities, Focus blocks and proof of activity

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Takeback Weekly Plan | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Takeback Monthly Plan | $8.99 | per month |
| Takeback Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Takeback Pro Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Takeback Yearly Plan | $19.99 | per year |
| Takeback Annual | $24.99 | per year |
| Takeback Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Takeback Annual | $44.99 | per year |
| Takeback Annual | $44.99 | per year |
| Takeback Pro Annual | $69.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AppBlock free?

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

### Is Takeback free?

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

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

Takeback is rated higher. AppBlock averages 4.6 out of 5 from 7K ratings, while Takeback averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do AppBlock or Takeback have ads?

Both AppBlock and Takeback show ads.

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

AppBlock ships an update every 6 days, and Takeback every 9 days. Most recently, AppBlock was updated on November 5, 2026 and Takeback on November 1, 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.*