# Roots vs Lock In Squad

The clearest difference is ads: Roots at none against Lock In Squad's shown. Roots also leads on ratings volume (3.1K vs 8). Lock In Squad's advantage is update cadence (daily vs every 3 weeks) and review sentiment (100% vs 76%). On price, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 Squad sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Lock In Squad 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 8, 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 Squad's.

Roots ships an update every 3 weeks, Lock In Squad daily. Both last shipped on October 30, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Roots | Lock In Squad |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (3.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/roots-screen-time-control/id6446800962/reviews) | **[5.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lock-in-squad-app-blocker/id6746732331/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3.1K** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | 75.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 361 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, 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 manage your phone usage by setting app limits, scheduling downtime, and offering challenges to reduce screen time. It aims to improve focus, be more present, and cure phone addiction by monitoring digital dopamine and providing a personal balance score.

**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 Squad

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

This app helps you limit screen time by blocking selected apps, categories, or websites. You can set schedules, use timers, and even collaborate with friends to stay focused together. Earn in-app currency to customize your experience or watch ads for bonuses.

**Highlights:** Block apps, categories, and websites, Set custom schedules, Group lock-ins with friends, Live Activity on Lock Screen, Progress tracking and streaks, In-app shop for customization

**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 Squad free?

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

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

Lock In Squad is rated higher. Roots averages 4.7 out of 5 from 3.1K ratings, while Lock In Squad averages 5.0 from 8 ratings.

### Do Roots or Lock In Squad have ads?

Lock In Squad shows ads; Roots does not.

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

Roots ships an update every 3 weeks, and Lock In Squad daily. Most recently, Roots was updated on October 30, 2026 and Lock In Squad on October 30, 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.*