# FocusPal vs App Lock

The clearest difference is review sentiment: FocusPal at 76% against App Lock's 33%. FocusPal also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (17 vs 5). App Lock's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.2) and update cadence (weekly vs fortnightly). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FocusPal sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per year and App Lock sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

App Lock holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 17 and 5 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 76% of FocusPal's written reviews are positive against 33% of App Lock's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

FocusPal ships an update fortnightly, App Lock weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FocusPal | App Lock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focuspal-screen-time-blocker/id1661287418/reviews) | **[4.6 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-lock-apps-app-locker/id6467732552/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **17** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | **76.3% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 30 MB | 53 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [威 黄](https://appshunter.io/developer/1719332483) | [小玲 黄](https://appshunter.io/developer/1651234772) |

## What reviewers say

### FocusPal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focuspal-screen-time-blocker/id1661287418)

This app helps you regain control of your screen time by blocking distracting applications and setting usage limits. It offers features like app whitelisting, hiding sensitive apps, and preventing accidental deletions or unwanted downloads. Enhance your focus and productivity with customizable controls.

**Highlights:** Focus Mode to block distractions, App allowlisting, Hide sensitive apps, Prevent accidental app deletion, Prevent unwanted app downloads, Set time limits for games and videos

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Yearly(Special Offer) | $9.99 | per year |
| HidingCat Pro Yearly | $12.99 | per year |
| FocusPal - Lifetime | $24.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Special Offer | $24.99 | one-time |


### App Lock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-lock-apps-app-locker/id6467732552)

This app offers robust privacy and protection features for your device. Secure your applications with password or face unlock, prevent unwanted installations and deletions, and block in-app purchases. Customize restriction modes for different activities to manage screen time effectively.

**Highlights:** Password protection for apps, Prevent app installation, Prevent app deletion, Block in-app purchases, Customizable restriction modes, Face unlock support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro | $2.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FocusPal free?

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

### Is App Lock free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FocusPal or App Lock?

App Lock is rated higher. FocusPal averages 4.2 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while App Lock averages 4.6 from 5 ratings.

### Do FocusPal or App Lock have ads?

App Lock shows ads; FocusPal does not.

### Which is updated more often, FocusPal or App Lock?

FocusPal ships an update fortnightly, and App Lock weekly. Most recently, FocusPal was updated on October 21, 2026 and App Lock on October 24, 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.*