# Cape vs App Lock

The clearest difference is ads: Cape at none against App Lock's shown. App Lock's advantage is review sentiment (73% vs 58%). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cape sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per year and App Lock sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Cape against 4.6 for App Lock. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 15K and 6.8K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 58% of Cape's written reviews are positive against 73% of App Lock's.

Cape ships an update every 3 weeks, App Lock every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cape | App Lock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (15K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cape-app-to-pause-excess/id6444819615/reviews)** | [4.6 (6.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-lock-apps/id6469686557/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **15K** | 6.8K |
| Positive reviews | 58.0% of reviews | **73.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 113 MB | 108 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.4 | **16.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Air Matters Network Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/477700083) | [友财 徐](https://appshunter.io/developer/1637405734) |

## What reviewers say

### Cape

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cape-app-to-pause-excess/id6444819615)

This app helps you regain focus by pausing excessive app usage and restoring access later. It's designed to reduce distractions, curb impulsive app openings, and promote healthier digital habits, especially for those with attention challenges.

**Highlights:** Set daily screen time limits, Schedule app breaks, Customize pause screen, On-demand access control, Automate access with zones and schedules, Receive notifications and reports

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cape Pro Yearly | $6.99 | per year |
| Cape Pro Lifetime | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fantastic and no subscription
- 🔒 Great for increasing security
- 👍 One-time purchase for pro version
- 👍 Completely hides apps for free
- 🔒 Provides good privacy and security

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitches, crashes, and lag
- 🐛 App freezes on password screen
- 🐛 Widgets not working after update
- 🐛 Apps not disappearing properly
- 🐛 Restoring shortcut doesn't work

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes on password screen
- Widgets not working after update
- Restoring shortcut doesn't work
- Apps not disappearing properly
- Hiding apps doesn't always work

**Requested features**

- More functional incognito note app
- Unlimited app groups
- Free incognito passcode option
- Ability to hide battery statistics
- Option to hide the Cloak app itself


### App Lock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-lock-apps/id6469686557)

Manage screen time and enhance privacy with customizable modes for work, personal use, and parental control. Set app restrictions, use geofencing, and secure apps with passwords or biometrics. Features include intruder alerts and app disguise for added security.

**Highlights:** Parental Control (Teen Mode), Multiple Modes (Work, Personal, Beast), App Restrictions & Time Limits, Geofencing for Location-Based Locks, Password & Biometric Protection, App Disguise & Intruder Alerts, Widget & Dynamic Island Quick Re-lock

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

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Membership | $3.99 | per month |
| Monthly Membership | $3.99 | per month |
| Monthly Membership | $5.99 | per month |
| Monthly Membership | $7.99 | per month |
| Yearly Membership | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly Membership | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly Membership | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly Membership | $16.99 | per year |
| Yearly Membership | $18.99 | per year |
| Yearly Membership | $18.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Membership | $19.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Membership | $21.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Membership | $27.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Membership | $36.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 🔒 Excellent security features
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 💡 Customizable settings
- 🔒 Protects privacy effectively

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or glitches
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 💰 Too many ads
- 🔒 Difficulty unlocking locked apps

**Reported bugs**

- Locked apps sometimes become unlocked randomly
- App deletion issues, unable to uninstall

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Shortcut support for quick access
- Ability to lock/unlock apps without opening the app
- Improved notification handling for locked apps


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cape free?

Cape 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, Cape or App Lock?

Cape is rated higher. Cape averages 4.6 out of 5 from 15K ratings, while App Lock averages 4.6 from 6.8K ratings.

### Do Cape or App Lock have ads?

App Lock shows ads; Cape does not.

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

Cape ships an update every 3 weeks, and App Lock every 2 weeks. Most recently, Cape was updated on October 24, 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.*