# AppBlock vs SMS Solar

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SMS Solar at none against AppBlock's 16. SMS Solar also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AppBlock sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. SMS Solar asks for nothing beyond the download.

AppBlock ships an update every 6 days, SMS Solar every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AppBlock | SMS Solar |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Every 9 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 197 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MobileSoft s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/998289700) | [Bhavik Vala](https://appshunter.io/developer/1722903213) |

## What reviewers say

### AppBlock

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

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 (11)**

| 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 | $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


### SMS Solar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sms-solar/id6788998220)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AppBlock free?

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

### Is SMS Solar free?

SMS Solar is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do AppBlock or SMS Solar have ads?

AppBlock shows ads; SMS Solar does not.

### Which is updated more often, AppBlock or SMS Solar?

AppBlock ships an update every 6 days, and SMS Solar every 9 days. Most recently, AppBlock was updated on October 31, 2026 and SMS Solar on October 28, 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.*