# CellPointer vs BarBlock

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: BarBlock at none against CellPointer's 1. BarBlock also leads on chart position (#113 vs unranked). CellPointer's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.1). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

CellPointer costs $0.99 and BarBlock $0.99 up front. CellPointer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. BarBlock asks for nothing beyond the download.

CellPointer ships an update every 10 days, BarBlock every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CellPointer | BarBlock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | $0.99 |
| Rating | — | **[4.9 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barblock-barcode-app-blocker/id6757250972/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **15** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#113** |
| Size | 26 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [冠宇 龚](https://appshunter.io/developer/1236710790) | [NAVON HAIM SOUSSAN](https://appshunter.io/developer/1859059122) |

## What reviewers say

### CellPointer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cellpointer/id1545551381)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Plus Editing Features | $0.99 | one-time |


### BarBlock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barblock-barcode-app-blocker/id6757250972)

**Currently charting:** #113 Top Paid · Productivity (US App Store)

This app helps reduce screen time by requiring users to scan a real-world barcode to unlock selected apps. It adds friction to app usage, encouraging conscious choices and breaking automatic habits. Setup is simple, with no subscriptions or in-app purchases required.

**Highlights:** Block apps by scanning real-world barcodes, Unlock apps by rescanning the same barcode, Reduces screen time and automatic phone use, Privacy-first design, no accounts or sign-ups, Works offline, all data stored locally, Unlimited app blocking

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CellPointer free?

CellPointer costs $0.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is BarBlock free?

BarBlock costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do CellPointer or BarBlock have ads?

Neither CellPointer nor BarBlock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CellPointer or BarBlock?

CellPointer ships an update every 10 days, and BarBlock every 2 weeks. Most recently, CellPointer was updated on October 10, 2026 and BarBlock on October 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.*