# LockWidget vs Pixel Pets

The clearest difference is monetization model: Pixel Pets at free with in-app purchases against LockWidget's subscription. Pixel Pets also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.7 vs 4.5). LockWidget's advantage is chart position (#147 vs unranked) and ratings volume (28K vs 5K). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. LockWidget sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days and Pixel Pets sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Pixel Pets holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: LockWidget has 28K ratings behind it against 5K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 56% of LockWidget's written reviews are positive against 57% of Pixel Pets's.

LockWidget ships an update fortnightly, Pixel Pets every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | LockWidget | Pixel Pets |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (28K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lockwidget-lockscreen-themes/id1643112111/reviews) | **[4.7 (5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixel-pets-cute-widget-app/id6444085825/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **28K** | 5K |
| Positive reviews | 55.7% of reviews | **57.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#147** | — |
| Size | 339 MB | 116 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SoCloud Technology Co., Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1517288550) | [Twinstar Creatives](https://appshunter.io/developer/1378171714) |

## What reviewers say

### LockWidget

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lockwidget-lockscreen-themes/id1643112111)

**Currently charting:** #147 Top Free · Graphics & Design (US App Store)

Personalize your device's lock screen with a wide variety of customizable widgets and HD wallpapers. Add dynamic elements like weather, photos, health trackers, and even interactive pixel pets. Create unique themes and launch apps directly from your lock screen.

**Highlights:** Customizable lock screen widgets, Weather and health tracking widgets, Interactive pixel pet widgets, Couple widgets for anniversaries, Live GIF widgets, App launcher widgets, HD lock screen wallpapers

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Plan | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Christmas | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Plan | $6.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $19.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $12.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Plan | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Lots of customization options
- 👍 Cute and fun widgets
- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Variety of wallpapers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Most features locked behind paywall
- 🐛 Widgets not working properly
- 🐛 Inaccurate battery/weather widgets
- 🐛 Confusing setup process

**Reported bugs**

- Widgets not appearing on lock screen
- Freezing/crashing issues
- Redirecting issues when trying to use widgets

**Requested features**

- More free widget options
- Ability to customize widget placements
- Improve widget stability and accuracy
- Add more nature/minimalist wallpaper options


### Pixel Pets

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixel-pets-cute-widget-app/id6444085825)

Bring adorable animated pets to your iPhone's Lock Screen, Dynamic Island, and home screen widgets. Care for your virtual companions by feeding and playing with them, and watch their emotions change throughout the day. Unlock a variety of cute animals to keep you company.

**Highlights:** Animated pets on Lock Screen, Dynamic Island, and widgets, Interactive pet care: feeding and exercise, Pets display changing emotions, Transparent home screen widgets, Variety of eight unlockable pets, Daily interaction and care

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pixel Pets+ (Discount Monthly) | $5.99 | per month |
| Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| Pixel Pets+ (Discount Monthly) | $29.99 | per 6 months |
| Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| 150 Coins | $0.99 | one-time |
| 300 Coins | $3.99 | one-time |
| 450 Coins | $5.99 | one-time |
| 650 Coins | $7.99 | one-time |
| Premium | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🐱 Cute pixel pets
- 🎨 Aesthetic widget designs
- 🔓 Some free content
- 🕰️ Useful dynamic island integration

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Many features locked behind paywall
- 📚 Unwanted religious content
- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🔒 Limited free options

**Reported bugs**

- Widgets not working as expected
- Pets not showing up on dynamic island
- Purchases not registering properly
- Frequent crashes and app instability

**Requested features**

- More free pet and background options
- Ability to customize or remove daily quotes
- Improved widget functionality and customization
- Tamagotchi-style mini-games and interactions


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LockWidget free?

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

### Is Pixel Pets free?

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

### Which has better reviews, LockWidget or Pixel Pets?

Pixel Pets is rated higher. LockWidget averages 4.5 out of 5 from 28K ratings, while Pixel Pets averages 4.7 from 5K ratings.

### Do LockWidget or Pixel Pets have ads?

LockWidget shows ads; Pixel Pets does not.

### Which is updated more often, LockWidget or Pixel Pets?

LockWidget ships an update fortnightly, and Pixel Pets every 3 weeks. Most recently, LockWidget was updated on September 24, 2026 and Pixel Pets on September 22, 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.*