Comparison

Periscope by Duet vs BlockLab

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Periscope by Duet

This app provides a secure VPN connection to your home network from anywhere. It uses end-to-end encryption and smart connectivity to ensure reliable access to your home services and devices, even on restrictive networks. Setup is simple, allowing you to stay connected to your trusted network while traveling.

Highlights
  • Connect to home network globally
  • WireGuard protocol
  • End-to-end encryption
  • Smart connectivity for restrictive networks
  • Real-time connection stats
  • Simple setup
Features
Read full description

Periscope — A VPN to Your Own Home Periscope is a VPN that routes your traffic through your own home network instead of a rented data center. You keep one device running there — an Apple TV, a Mac or a PC — and your iPhone and iPad connect back to it from anywhere in the world. That one difference changes what a VPN is for. Your traffic leaves from your own address, so banks, local services and your own devices see the connection they expect. There is no country list to choose from, because there is only one exit: your home. PRIVATE BY DESIGN Your connection is end-to-end encrypted using WireGuard, one of the most secure VPN protocols available. This means your traffic is always private — even we can't see what you're doing. Whether you connect directly or through our relay servers, your data remains yours alone. WORKS FROM ANYWHERE Hotel WiFi blocking VPN connections? Challenging airport network? Periscope's smart connectivity automatically uses direct connection, NAT traversal, or relay fallback to establish a reliable tunnel — no manual configuration needed. FEATURES • Connect to your home network from anywhere in the world • Built on WireGuard — fast, modern, and battery-efficient • End-to-end encryption keeps your traffic private • Smart connectivity that works on restrictive networks • Real-time connection stats and diagnostics • Optimized for iPhone and iPad PERFECT FOR • Accessing your home network services while traveling • Connecting to devices on your home network • Keeping your browsing on your own trusted connection • Privacy-conscious travelers who don't trust public WiFi SIMPLE SETUP Install Periscope on the device that stays home and choose "Server". Install it on the iPhone and iPad you travel with, sign in with the same account, and tap connect. No admin console, no config files, no network settings to learn. FLEXIBLE PLANS Monthly or annual subscriptions. Start with a free trial. Travel the world. Stay connected to home. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

BlockLab

This app helps you regain focus by blocking distracting applications during designated work or study periods. It utilizes system-level protections to ensure uninterrupted concentration, offering customizable profiles and scheduled blocking for consistent productivity.

Highlights
  • System-level app blocking
  • Customizable Focus Profiles
  • Scheduled blocking
  • Manual focus sessions
  • Grace period before blocking
  • No subscriptions or ads
Features
Read full description

Your phone is designed to distract you. BlockLab is designed to stop it. BlockLab uses Apple's Screen Time framework to block distracting apps during focus sessions and scheduled blocks — the same system-level protection built into iOS, with a cleaner, more intentional interface built around how you actually work. Focus your way Create Focus Profiles with the exact apps you want blocked. Start a manual session when you need to lock in, or set a recurring schedule so blocking happens automatically — no willpower required. Real blocking, not suggestions When a session is active, blocked apps are shielded at the system level. There's no sneaking past it. Grace Period Need a moment before a block kicks in? BlockLab gives you a grace period so you can wrap up what you're doing before focus mode takes over. Pay once. Use forever. No subscription. No monthly fee. No paywalled features. Buy BlockLab once and it's yours. BlockLab is for people who want a simple, honest tool — not an app that gamifies your attention or monetizes your habits.

Screenshots

Periscope by Duet3 screens
BlockLab3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is monetization model: BlockLab at free against Periscope by Duet's free with in-app purchases. Periscope by Duet's advantage is ratings volume (4 vs 1). On price, rating, update cadence and ads 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. Periscope by Duet sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and BlockLab sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Periscope by Duet against 5.0 for BlockLab. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Periscope by Duet ships an update every 3 weeks, BlockLab every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Periscope by Duet versus BlockLab: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPeriscope by DuetBlockLab
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (4 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple TV — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.016.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size37 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDuet, Inc.Daniel Catinella

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Periscope by Duet

Subscriptions2
  • Periscope Monthly7 Days trial$5.991 Month
  • Periscope7 Days trial$24.991 Year
1 purchases

BlockLab

One-time1
  • BlockLab Premium$2.99

Questions

Is Periscope by Duet free?
Periscope by Duet is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is BlockLab free?
BlockLab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Periscope by Duet or BlockLab?
Periscope by Duet and BlockLab are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do Periscope by Duet or BlockLab have ads?
Neither Periscope by Duet nor BlockLab shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Periscope by Duet or BlockLab?
Periscope by Duet ships an update every 3 weeks, and BlockLab every 2 weeks. Most recently, Periscope by Duet was updated on November 3, 2026 and BlockLab on October 31, 2026.

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