# Barrier vs LOCKR

Barrier and LOCKR both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 80% of Barrier's written reviews are positive against 19% of LOCKR's. Barrier also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 8). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. LOCKR sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per 7 days. Barrier asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Barrier against 4.6 for LOCKR. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 308 and 327 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 80% of Barrier's written reviews are positive against 19% of LOCKR's.

Barrier ships an update fortnightly, LOCKR every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barrier | LOCKR |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (308 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barrier-screen-time-for-focus/id6448244443/reviews)** | [4.6 (327 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lockr-screen-time-control/id6758957331/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 308 | **327** |
| Positive reviews | **80.3% of reviews** | 18.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 42 MB | 188 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.2** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Haplo, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1476210690) | [Ethan Harbinger](https://appshunter.io/developer/1875971076) |

## What reviewers say

### Barrier

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barrier-screen-time-for-focus/id6448244443)

This app helps you break free from social media distractions by blocking access to social apps. It encourages healthier digital habits by requiring users to watch an ad or wait before accessing them, promoting mindful usage and digital wellness.

**Highlights:** Block social media apps, Limit app access, Promote healthier digital habits, Incentivize reduced scrolling, Digital wellness assistant

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### LOCKR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lockr-screen-time-control/id6758957331)

This app helps you regain control of your time by blocking distracting applications. It uses a personalized AI coach that evaluates your reasons for accessing blocked apps and grants time-limited access based on your set strictness. Track your progress and reclaim your focus with insightful analytics.

**Highlights:** AI focus coach, Instant app and website blocking, Personalized blocking configuration, Screen time usage analytics, Daily check-ins, Goal setting and tracking, Focus and pause mode

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| LOCKR Unlimited (1 Week) | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| LOCKR Unlimited (1 Month) | $14.99 | per month |
| LOCKR Unlimited (1 Month) | $14.99 | per month |
| LOCKR Unlimited (1 Year Discount) | $24.99 | per year |
| LOCKR Unlimited (1st Year Discount) | $29.99 | per year |
| LOCKR Unlimited (1 Year) | $29.99 | per year |
| LOCKR Unlimited (1 Year) | $29.99 | per year |
| LOCKR Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barrier free?

Barrier is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is LOCKR free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Barrier or LOCKR?

Barrier is rated higher. Barrier averages 4.7 out of 5 from 308 ratings, while LOCKR averages 4.6 from 327 ratings.

### Do Barrier or LOCKR have ads?

Both Barrier and LOCKR show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Barrier or LOCKR?

Barrier ships an update fortnightly, and LOCKR every 9 days. Most recently, Barrier was updated on October 14, 2026 and LOCKR on October 16, 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.*