Comparison

AppLock vs Shade

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

AppLock

Secure your mobile device by locking apps to protect privacy and prevent unauthorized access. Manage screen time with customizable schedules and usage limits to improve focus and well-being. Offers advanced security features and parental controls.

Highlights
  • Direct app locking
  • Scheduled app locking
  • Countdown and quota usage limits
  • Widget lock for home screen
  • Face ID and password dual lock
  • Prevent inappropriate app installs
  • Anti-deletion protection
Features
Read full description

Lock your apps to protect your privacy, manage your screen time, and control phone usage. Main Features: - Direct Lock: Select the apps you want to lock, lock them with one click, restrict access, and prevent data leaks. - Schedule Lock: Automatically lock specific apps based on your schedule, helping you focus on current tasks and improving work efficiency and quality of life. - Countdown Lock: Set a usage duration for apps, manage time effectively with a countdown feature. - Quota Lock: Set daily usage limits for apps to prevent overuse and maintain good life habits. - Widget Lock: Innovatively provide a widget lock feature to keep your home screen tidy and prevent accidental display of private information. - Face ID & Password Dual Lock: Combine biometric recognition and traditional passwords for higher-level security of your apps. - Prohibit Inappropriate App Installations: Prevent children from installing unsuitable apps, protecting them from harmful information. - Anti-Deletion Protection: Prevent important apps and data from being accidentally deleted. - Spending Control: Effectively prevent accidental in-app purchases and avoid unnecessary expenses. Download and experience a comprehensive solution for mobile privacy and control Information about the auto-renewable nature of the subscription. Confirm subscription: Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. Manage subscriptions: Users can manage or unsubscribe in iTunes & App Store account management in the phone system settings. Auto-renewal: Apple iTunes account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current subscription period. To cancel the renewal, please turn off auto-renew manually at least 24-hours before the end of the period. No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during the active subscription period. Free trial: Free trial (if any) will automatically renew the version at upon expiration. You can go to the Account Settings to cancel the renewal before the trial ends. The current free trial will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription to the premium version before the trial period ends. Terms of Service:https://limit.limitprivacy.site/terms-service Terms of Payment:https://limit.limitprivacy.site/terms-payment Privacy Policy:https://limit.limitprivacy.site/privacy-policy Apple Terms of Use (EULA):https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Contact E-mail:support@limitprivacy.site

About

Shade

This app helps you manage your phone usage by setting daily limits for applications. Once limits are reached, access is automatically restricted, promoting focus and a healthier digital rhythm. It offers location-based and scheduled restrictions for personalized control.

Highlights
  • Set daily app limits
  • Automatic app restriction
  • Location-based restrictions (Smart Zones)
  • Scheduled blocks and restores
  • iOS Shortcuts and Widgets integration
  • Face ID/Passcode protection
Features
Read full description

Shade helps you break free from distractions and take charge of how you spend time on your phone. Set daily limits for apps, and once those limits are reached, Shade automatically restricts access. You can also manually block or restore apps whenever needed. Endless scrolling? Gaming too much? Shade steps in when it matters. Apps are automatically restricted after extended use, reminding you to take a breather. Once you’ve rested, your access is restored — helping you maintain a healthier digital rhythm. Smart Zones & Time-Based Restrictions Create Safe Zones and Restrict Zones based on your location. Whether you’re arriving at work or leaving school, Shade can automatically manage app access based on where you are. You can also schedule blocks or restores at specific times to build structure into your day. Seamless iOS Integration With support for Shortcuts and Widgets, Shade puts control at your fingertips. Instantly restrict or restore apps with a single tap, offering a smooth and personalized experience. Security & Privacy First Your settings are protected with Face ID or passcode authentication, ensuring only you can make changes. Shade is designed to respect your privacy and keep your preferences secure. Reclaim your time. Stay focused. Live better — with Shade. Download now and create your digital space with intention and balance. Contact developer team: hi@appsalt.com Privacy Policy: https://appsalt.com/privacy-policy/ Terms Of Use: https://appsalt.com/terms-of-service/

Screenshots

AppLock3 screens
Shade4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Shade at 5.0 against AppLock's 4.4. Shade also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 77%). AppLock's advantage is ratings volume (205 vs 4). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. AppLock sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and Shade sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Shade holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AppLock has 205 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 77% of AppLock's written reviews are positive against 100% of Shade's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AppLock ships an update every 8 days, Shade fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
AppLock versus Shade: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAppLockShade
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (205 ratings)5.0 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews76.7% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings205 — better4
Update frequencyEvery 8 days — betterFortnightly
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size71 MB88 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer俊涛 刘Appsalt

Customer experience

AppLock

All ratings205 ratings
Positive82.4%
Neutral6.3%
Negative11.2%
Written reviews43 reviews
Positive76.7%
Neutral9.3%
Negative14.0%

Shade

All ratings4 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

AppLock

Subscriptions2
  • Weekly Premium$0.997 Days
  • Yearly Premium$9.991 Year
3 purchases

Shade

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly Subscription Trial7 Days trial$1.997 Days
  • Weekly Subscription$1.997 Days
  • Monthly Subscription$4.991 Month

Questions

Is AppLock free?
AppLock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Shade free?
Shade is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, AppLock or Shade?
Shade is rated higher. AppLock averages 4.4 out of 5 from 205 ratings, while Shade averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.
Do AppLock or Shade have ads?
Both AppLock and Shade show ads.
Which is updated more often, AppLock or Shade?
AppLock ships an update every 8 days, and Shade fortnightly. Most recently, AppLock was updated on October 11, 2026 and Shade on September 21, 2026.

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