# Barrier vs BrainMaxx

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Barrier at none against BrainMaxx's 9. BrainMaxx's advantage is review sentiment (92% vs 80%) and update cadence (weekly vs fortnightly). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BrainMaxx sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 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 4.8 for BrainMaxx. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 308 and 176 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 80% of Barrier's written reviews are positive against 92% of BrainMaxx's.

Barrier ships an update fortnightly, BrainMaxx weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barrier | BrainMaxx |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (308 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barrier-screen-time-for-focus/id6448244443/reviews) | **[4.8 (176 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainmaxx-screen-time-control/id6760669409/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **308** | 176 |
| Positive reviews | 80.3% of reviews | **92.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 42 MB | 126 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Haplo, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1476210690) | [Juan Vizoso Prado](https://appshunter.io/developer/1868188557) |

## 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


### BrainMaxx

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainmaxx-screen-time-control/id6760669409)

This app helps you complete tasks and habits before you can access your phone's apps. Earn screen time by finishing your to-do list and keep a virtual pet happy with your progress. Build discipline and a healthier relationship with your device.

**Highlights:** Task and habit completion, App blocking, Earn screen time, Virtual pet companion, Progress tracking, Routine building

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Subscription | $12.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Yearly Offer | $29.99 | per year |
| Full Access | $29.99 | per year |
| Full Access | $34.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $44.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $59.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $59.99 | per year |
| Full Access | $69.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barrier free?

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

### Is BrainMaxx free?

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

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

BrainMaxx is rated higher. Barrier averages 4.7 out of 5 from 308 ratings, while BrainMaxx averages 4.8 from 176 ratings.

### Do Barrier or BrainMaxx have ads?

Both Barrier and BrainMaxx show ads.

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

Barrier ships an update fortnightly, and BrainMaxx weekly. Most recently, Barrier was updated on October 14, 2026 and BrainMaxx on October 17, 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.*