Comparison

Blok vs PauseBox

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

Head to head
About

Blok

This app works with a physical device to help you block distracting apps and websites. It allows you to select which apps to block, tap a device to activate focus mode, and set custom schedules for different activities. Reclaim your time and boost productivity by minimizing digital distractions.

Highlights
  • Customizable app blocking
  • Tap-to-block technology
  • Focus modes for schedules
  • Secure and private data storage
  • Reclaim time and boost productivity
Features
Read full description

Blok helps you reduce screen time by making distractions harder to access. HOW IT WORKS ↓ 1. Choose the apps and websites you want to block 2. Start a Blok session by scanning a product barcode or Blok Card 3. To unBlok, complete the physical action again WHY BLOK WORKS ↓ Most app blockers are too easy to bypass. Blok adds friction at the exact moment you are most likely to scroll again. Instead of relying on willpower alone, Blok turns blocking and unblocking into a physical ritual. Tap your Blok Card or scan your registered barcode to Blok distracting apps and websites. When you want back in, you need the same physical action again. With Blok, you can: - Block distracting apps, websites, and categories - Use a product barcode or Blok Card as your physical key - Create focus modes for work, sleep, study, or personal time - Schedule automatic Blok sessions - Take limited breaks without fully giving up - Combine modes for stricter blocking - Track your Blok streak and time Blok'd - Add friends and compare progress in Blok World - See Blok'd status on your Lock Screen with Live Activities Blok is built for people who want a real-world way to reduce doomscrolling, social media overuse, and phone addiction. Privacy Policy: https://shop.blok.so/pages/privacy-policy Terms: https://shop.blok.so/pages/terms-and-conditions

About

PauseBox

This app helps you block digital distractions by creating a physical barrier. Select apps to block, create custom groups with schedules, and then tap your phone on a physical device to initiate a focus session. It encourages intentional separation to break habit loops.

Highlights
  • Select apps to block
  • Create custom Pause Groups
  • Schedule focus sessions
  • Use physical device for blocking
  • Remote blocking option
  • Intentional separation from phone
Features
Read full description

PauseBox creates a physical block between you and distractions. Here's how it works: 1. Select the apps you want to block Open the PauseApp and choose which apps to block, or select the few you want to keep. Create custom Pause Groups like Work, Study, or Family Time, each with its own app rules, schedules, or timers to fit your day.PauseBox creates a physical block between you and distractions. Here's how it works: 2. Tap your phone on PauseBox to block selected apps After selecting a Pause Group, tap your phone on the PauseBox to start blocking apps. Your focus session begins right away. Not nearby? Use “Pause without tap” in the app to start remotely. 3. Put distance between you and the PauseBox Place your PauseBox out of reach to create intentional separation. As a physical barrier to digital distractions, it makes unblocking a conscious choice and helps break the habit loop.

Screenshots

Blok4 screens
PauseBox3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PauseBox at none against Blok's 12. PauseBox also leads on review sentiment (82% vs 51%) and rating (4.9 vs 4.6). Blok's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (733 vs 29). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. Blok sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. PauseBox asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

PauseBox holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Blok has 733 ratings behind it against 29, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 51% of Blok's written reviews are positive against 82% of PauseBox's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Blok ships an update every 9 days, PauseBox every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Blok versus PauseBox: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBlokPauseBox
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (733 ratings)4.9 (29 ratings) — better
Positive reviews50.6% of reviews82.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings733 — better29
Update frequencyEvery 9 days — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.016.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size115 MB90 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJust Commit Inc.Britt Espinosa

Customer experience

Blok

All ratings733 ratings
Positive89.6%
Neutral3.1%
Negative7.2%
Written reviews79 reviews
Positive50.6%
Neutral6.3%
Negative43.0%

PauseBox

All ratings14 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews17 reviews
Positive82.4%
Neutral5.9%
Negative11.8%

Bugs and requests

Blok

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • App crashing and freezing
  • Inconsistent blocking and unblocking of apps
  • Issues with card/magnet detection and functionality
  • Problems with account management and subscription

Requested features

3 requests
  • Allow multiple schedules per day
  • Improve app categorization and blocking
  • Add more customization options

PauseBox

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

11 purchases

Blok

Subscriptions9
  • Blok Pro (Monthly)2 variants$9.991 Month
  • Blok Pro (Monthly)7 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Blok Pro (Yearly)7 Days trial$29.991 Year
Show 6 more
  • Blok Pro (Yearly)$29.991 Year
  • Blok Membership3 Months trial$34.991 Year
  • Blok Pro (Yearly)$39.991 Year
  • Blok Pro (Yearly)7 Days trial$49.991 Year
  • Blok Membership1 Year trial$59.991 Year
  • Blok Pro (Yearly)7 Days trial$59.991 Year
One-time2
  • Single Emergency Unblok$4.99
  • Three Emergency Unbloks$12.99
None

PauseBox

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Blok free?
Blok is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PauseBox free?
PauseBox is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Blok or PauseBox?
PauseBox is rated higher. Blok averages 4.6 out of 5 from 733 ratings, while PauseBox averages 4.9 from 29 ratings.
Do Blok or PauseBox have ads?
Neither Blok nor PauseBox shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Blok or PauseBox?
Blok ships an update every 9 days, and PauseBox every 3 months. Most recently, Blok was updated on October 11, 2026 and PauseBox on October 12, 2026.

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