# ScreenZen vs LockMe

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ScreenZen at 93% against LockMe's 47%. ScreenZen also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and ratings volume (49K vs 229). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ScreenZen sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and LockMe sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScreenZen holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScreenZen has 49K ratings behind it against 229, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 93% of ScreenZen's written reviews are positive against 47% of LockMe's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenZen | LockMe |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (49K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews)** | [4.6 (229 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lockme-applock-for-lock-apps/id6460862187/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **49K** | 229 |
| Positive reviews | **93.4% of reviews** | 46.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#168** | — |
| Size | 159 MB | 49 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **16.2** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) | [Tyson Gill](https://appshunter.io/developer/1683191398) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenZen

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222)

**Currently charting:** #168 Top Free · Productivity (US App Store)

This app offers multiple strategies to help you reduce screen time and control app usage. Features include delayed app opening, timed scrolling interruptions, and customizable app limits. It also provides options for strict blocking, settings protection, and encourages mindful breaks.

**Highlights:** Delayed app opening, Scrolling interruption, Set app goals and limits, Configurable daily schedules, Strict app blocking, Screen time tracking for distracting apps, Settings protection locks

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Kind Tip | $5.00 | one-time |
| Generous Tip | $10.00 | one-time |
| Amazing Tip | $20.00 | one-time |
| Fantastic Tip | $40.00 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Completely reversed my scrolling addiction
- 🚀 Helps manage screen time
- 👍 Excellent app, easy to use
- 👍 Genuinely the best screentime app out there
- 👍 Effective in avoiding doom scrolling

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy, sometimes doesn't unlock apps
- 🐛 Notifications can't break through
- 🐛 Inconsistent UI across devices

**Reported bugs**

- Unlock button not working as expected
- App stops working after some time
- Compatibility issues with iOS 16 update

**Requested features**

- Add more customization options
- Integrate with productivity/to-do apps
- Add more pause/break options
- Improve website blocking functionality


### LockMe

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lockme-applock-for-lock-apps/id6460862187)

Control app usage on your device or for your children with time and location-based restrictions. Automate app blocking, minimize distractions, and protect sensitive information for a balanced digital life.

**Highlights:** Time-based app restrictions, Location-based app blocking, Automated app access control, Minimize distractions, Protect sensitive apps, App grouping management

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| App Lock Unlimited | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| LockMe Pro | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| App Lock Unlimited | $9.99 | per month |
| LockMe Pro | $12.99 | per month |
| App Lock Unlimited | $24.99 | per year |
| Lock Unlimited Apps | $49.99 | per year |
| LockMe Pro | $49.99 | per year |
| App Lock Unlimited | $79.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for protecting kids
- 👍 Useful for restricting apps
- 👍 Helps with homework focus
- 👍 Good for safeguarding children
- 👍 App ran smoothly (one instance)

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App freezes frequently
- 🐛 App does not lock apps
- 🐛 Cannot access app after forgetting PIN
- 🐛 App requires premium for full functionality
- 🐛 Misleading promo for free lifetime premium

**Reported bugs**

- App does not lock apps
- App freezes during use
- App crashes when trying to turn on Face ID
- App is locked out after setting passcode
- App crashes when Face ID option is turned off

**Requested features**

- Option to reset PIN
- More free functionality


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenZen free?

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

### Is LockMe free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ScreenZen or LockMe?

ScreenZen is rated higher. ScreenZen averages 4.9 out of 5 from 49K ratings, while LockMe averages 4.6 from 229 ratings.

### Do ScreenZen or LockMe have ads?

Neither ScreenZen nor LockMe shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ScreenZen or LockMe?

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, and LockMe every 3 weeks. Most recently, ScreenZen was updated on September 25, 2026 and LockMe on September 19, 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.*