# Padlock vs Sprout

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Padlock at none against Sprout's 2. Sprout's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Sprout sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Padlock asks for nothing beyond the download.

Padlock ships an update every 2 weeks, Sprout every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Padlock | Sprout |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.3 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sprout-smart-adhd-task-app/id6754895173/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **26** |
| Positive reviews | **86.7% of reviews** | 81.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Freemium** |
| Size | 24 MB | 81 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Padlock Focus Technologies LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1803911081) | [JONATHAN DOUGLAS LAI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1850818875) |

## What reviewers say

### Padlock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/padlock-remove-distractions/id6475106602)

This app locks distracting applications on your iPhone by requiring a physical device to be tapped against your phone. Once locked, apps remain inaccessible until the physical device is tapped again to unlock them.

**Highlights:** Lock distracting apps, Physical device integration, App access control, Phone distraction management

**In-app purchases:** none


### Sprout

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sprout-smart-adhd-task-app/id6754895173)

This app helps individuals with ADHD manage tasks and reduce overwhelm using AI, gamification, and a virtual pet. It offers features like flexible streaks, gentle reminders, and AI-powered task breakdown to support executive dysfunction.

**Highlights:** AI-powered task management, Virtual pet companion that grows, Flexible streaks with 'Free Days', Gentle reminders and calming themes, AI Brain Dump for scattered thoughts, Goal setting and progress tracking, Focus Timer and breathing exercises

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sprout Premium Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| Sprout Premium Annual | $59.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Padlock free?

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

### Is Sprout free?

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

### Do Padlock or Sprout have ads?

Neither Padlock nor Sprout shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Padlock or Sprout?

Padlock ships an update every 2 weeks, and Sprout every 11 days. Most recently, Padlock was updated on October 14, 2026 and Sprout on October 11, 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.*