# BlockApps vs Universal Remote

The clearest difference is ads: BlockApps at none against Universal Remote's shown. On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BlockApps sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Universal Remote sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

BlockApps ships an update every 5 weeks, Universal Remote every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 8, 2026 and March 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BlockApps | Universal Remote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (42 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blockapps-digital-detox/id6443485441/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **42** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 21 MB | 91 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ali Can Batur](https://appshunter.io/developer/981673229) | [Maito Akira](https://appshunter.io/developer/887893710) |

## What reviewers say

### BlockApps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blockapps-digital-detox/id6443485441)

This app helps you avoid digital distractions by blocking selected applications and their notifications for set periods. Create custom modes for different times and locations to maintain focus without needing an internet connection or VPN.

**Highlights:** Block selected apps, Disable notifications, Create custom blocking modes, Schedule blocking by time and day, No VPN or internet required, Free to use

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium for lifetime | $40.99 | one-time |


### Universal Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote/id6470111668)

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium Subscription | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Subscription | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium Subscription | $9.99 | per month |
| Monthly Subscription | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly Trial Premium Subscription | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $19.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BlockApps free?

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

### Is Universal Remote free?

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

### Do BlockApps or Universal Remote have ads?

Universal Remote shows ads; BlockApps does not.

### Which is updated more often, BlockApps or Universal Remote?

BlockApps ships an update every 5 weeks, and Universal Remote every 3 weeks. Most recently, BlockApps was updated on September 8, 2026 and Universal Remote on March 7, 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.*