Comparison

Padlock vs Downward

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

Head to head
About

Padlock

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
Read full description

Padlock will change the relationship you have with your phone. Tap it against your iPhone, stash the Padlock somewhere that's out of the way, and your distracting apps are locked up. If you need to unlock them, retrieve the padlock and tap it again. To use this app, a physical Padlock device is required.

About

Downward

Features
Read full description

Downward is a minimal Markdown editor for iPhone, built for focused writing, simple file browsing and a cleaner way to work with Markdown. Browse and edit Markdown files stored locally on your device or in iCloud, without locking your writing into a complicated workspace. Downward keeps your files accessible while giving you a calm, customisable editor for notes, drafts, documentation, journals, writing projects and everyday text editing. The editor is designed to feel simple and quiet. You can work with Markdown syntax visible, or hide formatting characters for a cleaner, more minimal writing experience. This lets you keep the flexibility of Markdown while enjoying an editor that feels closer to a plain, distraction-free writing space. Key features: • Browse local files on your device • Open and edit files stored in iCloud • Minimal Markdown editing for iPhone • Tap to toggle tasks • Long press to quickly copy text from code blocks • Option to hide Markdown syntax for a cleaner look • Custom themes to personalise the editor • Font choices for a writing experience that feels right • Simple interface designed around focus and readability • Great for notes, drafts, documentation, journals and plain text workflows Downward is made for people who like simple tools, portable files and a writing environment that does not get in the way. Supporter Upgrade Downward also includes an optional supporter upgrade. Supporters unlock extra themes, the ability to import and export custom themes, and the option to import their own fonts. Your support helps keep Downward independent, maintained and improving over time. SUPPORT INFORMATION Our Terms and Conditions: https://secondvictor.com/public/projects/downward/downward-terms.html Our Privacy Policy: https://secondvictor.com/public/projects/downward/downward-policy.html EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Padlock4 screens
Downward4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Padlock at none against Downward's 5. Padlock also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.0). Downward's advantage is update cadence (daily vs every 2 weeks). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. Downward sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Padlock asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Padlock ships an update every 2 weeks, Downward daily. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences Ā· 5 level
Padlock versus Downward: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPadlockDownward
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews86.7% of reviews—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksDaily — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS16.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB7 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPadlock Focus Technologies LTDSecond Victor

In-app purchases

None

Padlock

No in-app purchases

5 purchases

Downward

One-time5
  • Small Coffee$0.99
  • Large Coffee$2.99
  • Supporter$3.99
Show 2 more
  • Lunch$4.99
  • Dinner$9.99

Questions

Is Padlock free?
Padlock is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Downward free?
Downward is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Padlock or Downward have ads?
Neither Padlock nor Downward shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Padlock or Downward?
Padlock ships an update every 2 weeks, and Downward daily. Most recently, Padlock was updated on October 24, 2026 and Downward on October 28, 2026.

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