# Barrier vs KeyBlock

The clearest difference is ads: KeyBlock at none against Barrier's shown. KeyBlock also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). Barrier's advantage is ratings volume (308 vs 1) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 weeks). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

KeyBlock holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Barrier has 308 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Barrier ships an update fortnightly, KeyBlock every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barrier | KeyBlock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (308 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barrier-screen-time-for-focus/id6448244443/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/keyblock/id6768969376/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **308** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 80.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 42 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Haplo, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1476210690) | [KeyBlock Tech, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896619649) |

## 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


### KeyBlock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/keyblock/id6768969376)

This app uses NFC stickers to physically block distracting applications on your phone, helping you regain focus without relying on willpower. Simply tap your phone to a sticker to activate blocking modes like Deep Work or Sleep, and tap again to resume access.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps with NFC tap, Four built-in focus modes, Dumb Phone mode for essentials, Activity dashboard for progress tracking, Discover page with focus tools

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barrier free?

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

### Is KeyBlock free?

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

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

KeyBlock is rated higher. Barrier averages 4.7 out of 5 from 308 ratings, while KeyBlock averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Barrier or KeyBlock have ads?

Barrier shows ads; KeyBlock does not.

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

Barrier ships an update fortnightly, and KeyBlock every 6 weeks. Most recently, Barrier was updated on October 14, 2026 and KeyBlock on September 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.*