# Barrier vs Tempo

The clearest difference is ads: Tempo at none against Barrier's shown. Barrier's advantage is iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Barrier ships an update fortnightly, Tempo monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barrier | Tempo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (308 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barrier-screen-time-for-focus/id6448244443/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **308** | — |
| Positive reviews | 80.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 42 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Haplo, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1476210690) | [PRESTON JARIK JARNAGIN](https://appshunter.io/developer/6771860555) |

## 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


### Tempo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tempo-focus-routine-timer/id6771860553)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barrier free?

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

### Is Tempo free?

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

### Do Barrier or Tempo have ads?

Barrier shows ads; Tempo does not.

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

Barrier ships an update fortnightly, and Tempo monthly. Most recently, Barrier was updated on October 14, 2026 and Tempo on October 10, 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.*