# Barrier vs Scroll Blocker

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Barrier at none against Scroll Blocker's 3. On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Scroll Blocker sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Barrier asks for nothing beyond the download.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and November 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barrier | Scroll Blocker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (345 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barrier-screen-time-for-focus/id6448244443/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **345** | — |
| Positive reviews | 80.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | — |
| Size | 66 MB | 109 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | +4 |
| Developer | [Haplo, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1476210690) | [Strivex Dijital Hizmetler Anonim Sirketi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1824409182) |

## 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 limiting access to chosen applications. It introduces intentional delays or ad viewing to discourage mindless scrolling, promoting healthier digital habits and increased productivity.

**Highlights:** Social media app blocking, Intentional delays for app access, Ad-based access incentive, Digital wellness assistant, Promotes healthier digital habits, Reduces mindless scrolling

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Highly effective at reducing screen time
- 💰 Free to use with valuable features
- 😂 Funny and smart methods (Goblin Mode)
- 💡 Creates resistance to mindless scrolling
- 🚀 Simple and easy to use interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches causing unreliability
- 🐛 Blocking not always consistent
- 🐛 Custom schedules not working correctly
- 🐛 Ads can be long and annoying
- 🐛 Violent ads in some cases

**Reported bugs**

- Blocking does not work at correct times or remains blocked at incorrect times
- Blocking stops working after a while
- Apps remain unlocked after unlocking
- Streak keeps breaking for no reason
- Custom schedule does not unlock when it's supposed to

**Requested features**

- Ability to set different apps to lock during different times
- More flexibility in setting multiple check-in times
- Option to customize the duration after watching an ad
- Fix for custom schedule not working for overnight blocking
- Option to have a daily time limit per app


### Scroll Blocker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scroll-blocker-doug-pet/id6807007965)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Pro Access T3 | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Pro Access T3 | $39.99 | per year |
| 7D-FT Yearly Pro Access T3 | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barrier free?

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

### Is Scroll Blocker free?

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

### Do Barrier or Scroll Blocker have ads?

Both Barrier and Scroll Blocker show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Barrier or Scroll Blocker?

Barrier ships an update fortnightly, and Scroll Blocker fortnightly. Most recently, Barrier was updated on November 4, 2026 and Scroll Blocker on November 1, 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.*