# App Lock vs Black Box

The clearest difference is ads: Black Box at none against App Lock's shown. Black Box also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported). App Lock's advantage is review sentiment (86% vs 67%) and ratings volume (120 vs 37). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

Black Box holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 120 and 37 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 86% of App Lock's written reviews are positive against 67% of Black Box's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

App Lock ships an update every 5 days, Black Box every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and August 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | App Lock | Black Box |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (120 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-lock-apps/id6475538115/reviews) | **[4.8 (37 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/black-box-lock-restrict-apps/id6547836962/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **120** | 37 |
| Positive reviews | **85.6% of reviews** | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 7 MB | 68 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [秀珍 黄](https://appshunter.io/developer/1756029312) | [俊涛 刘](https://appshunter.io/developer/1702439770) |

## What reviewers say

### App Lock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-lock-apps/id6475538115)

Manage your phone usage and protect your privacy with this app. It offers robust parental controls, allows you to lock specific applications, and helps you set time limits to combat phone addiction. Secure your data and control your digital well-being.

**Highlights:** Lock specific apps, Parental control features, Prevent app deletion, Secure unlock methods (Face ID, fingerprint, password), Automatic app relocking, Customizable app modes, Set app usage time limits

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Black Box

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/black-box-lock-restrict-apps/id6547836962)

Secure your phone by locking and restricting access to sensitive applications. Protect your private data with advanced password protection and prevent unauthorized app usage or in-app purchases. Enjoy comprehensive digital privacy with an easy-to-use interface.

**Highlights:** App locking with password protection, App disappearance for hidden access, App usage restrictions, Secure privacy with advanced passwords, Payment locking for in-app purchases, Intuitive interface

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is App Lock free?

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

### Is Black Box free?

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

### Which has better reviews, App Lock or Black Box?

Black Box is rated higher. App Lock averages 4.6 out of 5 from 120 ratings, while Black Box averages 4.8 from 37 ratings.

### Do App Lock or Black Box have ads?

App Lock shows ads; Black Box does not.

### Which is updated more often, App Lock or Black Box?

App Lock ships an update every 5 days, and Black Box every 3 days. Most recently, App Lock was updated on September 23, 2026 and Black Box on August 28, 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.*