# FocusPal vs App Lock

The clearest difference is ads: FocusPal at none against App Lock's shown. FocusPal also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 weeks). App Lock's advantage is ratings volume (54 vs 17). On price, rating, review sentiment and in-app purchases 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 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.2 for FocusPal against 4.2 for App Lock. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 17 and 54 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 76% of FocusPal's written reviews are positive against 80% of App Lock's.

FocusPal ships an update fortnightly, App Lock every 5 weeks. 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)** | [4.2 (54 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-apps-blocker/id6467823109/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 17 | **54** |
| Positive reviews | 76.3% of reviews | **80.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 30 MB | 73 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [威 黄](https://appshunter.io/developer/1719332483) | [Dindot Network Technology (Huizhou) Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1612606571) |

## 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-apps-blocker/id6467823109)

This app helps manage screen time for children and protect personal privacy. It allows parents to lock specific apps, create custom control rules, and secure private data like photos and contacts. It's designed for families and individuals needing digital control and security.

**Highlights:** Screen Time Management, Widget Activation, App Control, Private Vault, Privacy Protection Mode, Focus on Work, Custom Mode

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $14.99 | one-time |


## 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?

FocusPal is rated higher. FocusPal averages 4.2 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while App Lock averages 4.2 from 54 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 every 5 weeks. 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.*