# Roots vs Lock In

The clearest difference is ads: Roots at none against Lock In's shown. Roots also leads on ratings volume (3.1K vs 7). Lock In's advantage is update cadence (daily vs every 2 weeks) and review sentiment (100% vs 76%). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Roots sells 18 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and Lock In sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Lock In holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Roots has 3.1K ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of Roots's written reviews are positive against 100% of Lock In's.

Roots ships an update every 2 weeks, Lock In daily. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Roots | Lock In |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (3.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/roots-screen-time-control/id6446800962/reviews) | **[5.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lock-in-app-blocker/id6746732331/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3.1K** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | 75.6% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 355 MB | 29 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **13.4** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [MWM](https://appshunter.io/developer/452269707) | [Eli Young](https://appshunter.io/developer/1818182523) |

## What reviewers say

### Roots

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/roots-screen-time-control/id6446800962)

This app helps you regain control of your phone usage by setting app limits, scheduling downtime, and participating in detox challenges. It provides insights into your screen time habits and offers features like 'Monk Mode' for focused periods. Aimed at improving well-being and reducing phone addiction.

**Highlights:** App and website blocking, Scheduled downtime, Phone detox challenges, Monk Mode for strict blocking, Digital dopamine monitoring, Daily goals and progress tracking, Personal balance score

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (18)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Roots Plus - Monthly Plan | $6.99 | per month |
| Premium | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Roots Plus - Weekly Plan | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Roots - Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Roots Plus - Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Roots - Monthly Plan | $19.99 | per month |
| Premium Pass | $19.99 | per month |
| Roots Plus - Annual Plan | $29.99 | per year |
| Premium | $39.99 | per year |
| Roots Plus - Annual Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Premium Pass | $59.99 | per year |
| Roots Plus - Annual Plan | $59.99 | per year |
| Premium | $69.99 | per year |
| Roots Plus - Annual Plan | $79.99 | per year |
| Premium Pass | $99.99 | per year |
| Premium | $99.99 | per year |
| Premium Pass | $99.99 | per year |
| Premium Pass | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful for reducing screen time
- 🚀 Effective in cutting down app usage
- 💡 Customizable app blocking and downtime settings
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 👍 Responsive customer support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional performance issues and bugs
- 🐛 Inconsistent app blocking and unblocking
- 🐛 Inaccurate screen time tracking
- 🐛 Difficulty deleting account or changing subscription
- 🐛 Frustrating when apps are locked unexpectedly

**Reported bugs**

- Apps getting blocked when they shouldn't be
- Screen time data not syncing correctly
- Frequent app crashes and freezes
- Subscription issues and inability to cancel
- Trouble with the initial setup and syncing

**Requested features**

- Home screen and lock screen widgets
- Customizable challenges and ability to share with friends
- More options for the 'Do Not Disturb' mode
- Improved analytics and progress tracking
- Ability to easily adjust app limits without resetting


### Lock In

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lock-in-app-blocker/id6746732331)

This app helps you focus by blocking distracting applications during timed work sessions. Set durations, choose apps to block, and track your productive time and streaks. Ideal for building better digital habits and reducing screen time.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps, Set custom focus timers, Track productive hours, Visualize progress and streaks, Build better digital habits

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lock In Premium (No Ads) | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Roots free?

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

### Is Lock In free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Roots or Lock In?

Lock In is rated higher. Roots averages 4.7 out of 5 from 3.1K ratings, while Lock In averages 5.0 from 7 ratings.

### Do Roots or Lock In have ads?

Lock In shows ads; Roots does not.

### Which is updated more often, Roots or Lock In?

Roots ships an update every 2 weeks, and Lock In daily. Most recently, Roots was updated on October 20, 2026 and Lock In on October 14, 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.*