# ScreenZen vs App Blocker

The clearest difference is ads: ScreenZen at none against App Blocker's shown. ScreenZen also leads on review sentiment (93% vs 63%) and rating (4.9 vs 4.5). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ScreenZen sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and App Blocker sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 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 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScreenZen has 49K ratings behind it against 77, 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 63% of App Blocker's.

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, App Blocker every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and August 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenZen | App Blocker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (49K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews)** | [4.5 (77 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-blocker-limit-screen-time/id6502186144/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **49K** | 77 |
| Positive reviews | **93.4% of reviews** | 62.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#179** | — |
| Size | 159 MB | 214 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) | [Screen Time Control LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1425190168) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenZen

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

**Currently charting:** #179 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


### App Blocker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-blocker-limit-screen-time/id6502186144)

This app helps you regain control of your screen time by blocking distracting applications and websites. Utilize custom block lists and focus sessions to improve productivity and mental well-being.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps and websites, Create custom block lists, Schedule focus sessions, Manage screen time effectively, Improve productivity and mental health, Personalized app and website blocking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium | $8.99 | per month |
| Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium | $24.99 | per year |
| Premium | $69.99 | per year |
| Premium | $99.99 | per year |
| Free for Life | Free | one-time |
| Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenZen free?

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

### Is App Blocker free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ScreenZen or App Blocker?

ScreenZen is rated higher. ScreenZen averages 4.9 out of 5 from 49K ratings, while App Blocker averages 4.5 from 77 ratings.

### Do ScreenZen or App Blocker have ads?

App Blocker shows ads; ScreenZen does not.

### Which is updated more often, ScreenZen or App Blocker?

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, and App Blocker every 11 days. Most recently, ScreenZen was updated on September 25, 2026 and App Blocker on August 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.*