# App Lock vs Lockdown

The clearest difference is rating: App Lock at 4.5 against Lockdown's 3.9. App Lock also leads on ratings volume (5.2K vs 7) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). Lockdown's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 58%) and monetization model (freemium vs subscription). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. App Lock sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Lockdown sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

App Lock holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: App Lock has 5.2K ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 58% of App Lock's written reviews are positive against 100% of Lockdown's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

App Lock ships an update fortnightly, Lockdown every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | App Lock | Lockdown |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (5.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock/id6448239603/reviews)** | [3.9 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lockdown-block-apps-and-focus/id6745404084/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5.2K** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | 57.6% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Freemium** |
| Size | 43 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lilucat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676061700) | [Liam Wittig](https://appshunter.io/developer/1791378976) |

## What reviewers say

### App Lock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock/id6448239603)

Secure your sensitive applications and personal data with this privacy tool. Easily lock any app to prevent unauthorized access and keep your information out of sight from prying eyes. Enjoy enhanced device security and peace of mind.

**Highlights:** Lock any application, Hide sensitive apps, Block websites, Intuitive interface, Prevent unauthorized access, Enhance device privacy

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| App Lock | $4.99 | per month |
| App Lock | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| App Lock | $9.99 | per month |
| App Lock | $14.99 | per year |
| App Locker for iPhone | $29.99 | per year |
| App Lock | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful app
- 🔒 Provides app security
- 🔒 Locks apps with Face ID/Touch ID/PIN
- 👍 Great for keeping private information secure
- 👍 Useful for parents to restrict child access

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Home screen layout gets scrambled when app is turned off
- 🐛 App Blocker resets widget stacks
- 💰 Aggressive subscription push
- 🔒 Locked apps only unlocked for a limited time
- 🐛 Doesn't persist app blocking across phone restarts

**Reported bugs**

- Buttons at the bottom of the screen are inaccessible on some devices
- Prompts are not legible with larger font settings
- Locked apps can still be accessed by restarting the phone

**Requested features**

- Allow concealing the app locker
- Add scheduling/time-based locking
- Provide separate unlock code from phone passcode
- Improve usability when Dynamic Island is in use


### Lockdown

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lockdown-block-apps-and-focus/id6745404084)

This app helps you reduce screen time and improve focus by blocking distracting applications and websites. Its strict mode prevents bypassing restrictions until the timer ends, offering a powerful solution for self-control and digital wellbeing.

**Highlights:** Strict Mode for unbreakable focus, Block specific apps and categories, Website and browser blocking, Custom focus timer, Shortcuts and automation integration, Digital wellbeing improvement

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium (1 Month) | $4.99 | per month |
| Annual Premium (1 Year) | $24.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is App Lock free?

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

### Is Lockdown free?

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

### Which has better reviews, App Lock or Lockdown?

App Lock is rated higher. App Lock averages 4.5 out of 5 from 5.2K ratings, while Lockdown averages 3.9 from 7 ratings.

### Do App Lock or Lockdown have ads?

App Lock shows ads; Lockdown does not.

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

App Lock ships an update fortnightly, and Lockdown every 2 months. Most recently, App Lock was updated on September 30, 2026 and Lockdown on September 22, 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.*