# App Lock vs Pauvio

The clearest difference is ads: Pauvio at none against App Lock's shown. Pauvio also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs fortnightly). 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 Pauvio 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 ships an update fortnightly, Pauvio every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | App Lock | Pauvio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (5.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock/id6448239603/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **5.3K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 57.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Subscription | — |
| Size | 43 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lilucat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676061700) | [Khadija Asfand](https://appshunter.io/developer/6803449106) |

## 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


### Pauvio

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pauvio-screen-time/id6814131286)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pauvio Pro Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Pauvio Pro Yearly | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is App Lock free?

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

### Is Pauvio free?

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

### Do App Lock or Pauvio have ads?

App Lock shows ads; Pauvio does not.

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

App Lock ships an update fortnightly, and Pauvio every 5 days. Most recently, App Lock was updated on October 27, 2026 and Pauvio on October 24, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*