# Monk Mode vs Monk

The clearest difference is monetization model: Monk Mode at free with in-app purchases against Monk's subscription. Monk Mode also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and review sentiment (100% vs 75%). Monk's advantage is ratings volume (135 vs 6). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Monk Mode sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Monk sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Monk Mode holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Monk has 135 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Monk Mode's written reviews are positive against 75% of Monk's.

Monk Mode ships an update every 3 weeks, Monk every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Monk Mode | Monk |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monk-mode-screen-time-control/id6478087947/reviews)** | [4.6 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monk-screen-time-control/id6747911820/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 6 | **135** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 75.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 70 MB | 131 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.4 | **17** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Red Eye Studios](https://appshunter.io/developer/1731738238) | [Polymath Labs Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1823371110) |

## What reviewers say

### Monk Mode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monk-mode-screen-time-control/id6478087947)

Regain control of your attention with this productivity tool that combines a minimalist phone mode with app and website blocking. Designed to combat digital distractions and enhance concentration, it helps users achieve focused work sessions.

**Highlights:** Minimalist phone mode, App blocker, Website blocker, Distraction control, Focus enhancement, 3-day free trial

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium Subscription | $3.99 | per month |
| Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Quarterly Premium Subscription | $9.99 | per 3 months |
| Yearly Premium Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Minimal Phone Feature | $9.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Membership | $9.99 | one-time |
| Bundle & Save | $14.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Plan | $99.99 | one-time |


### Monk

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monk-screen-time-control/id6747911820)

This app helps users regain focus by blocking distracting applications until a chosen meaningful activity is completed and verified. It encourages daily rituals and discipline to combat digital distractions and improve productivity.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps, AI-verified activity completion, Daily focus rituals, Dopamine detox, Focus schedules, Win history and streaks

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monk Pro (Monthly) | $19.99 | per month |
| Monk Pro (Annual) | $48.00 | per year |
| Monk Pro (Annual) | $59.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great app for focus
- 🚀 Boosts productivity
- 💡 Unique and intuitive design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent app blocking functionality

**Reported bugs**

- Apps not being blocked as scheduled
- Glitches in scheduling functionality

**Requested features**

- Improved app blocking reliability
- Customizable scheduling options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Monk Mode free?

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

### Is Monk free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Monk Mode or Monk?

Monk Mode is rated higher. Monk Mode averages 5.0 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while Monk averages 4.6 from 135 ratings.

### Do Monk Mode or Monk have ads?

Neither Monk Mode nor Monk shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Monk Mode or Monk?

Monk Mode ships an update every 3 weeks, and Monk every 2 weeks. Most recently, Monk Mode was updated on October 3, 2026 and Monk on October 6, 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.*