FlowBuddy vs ShieldFlow
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
FlowBuddy
This app helps you reduce mindless scrolling and use your phone more intentionally. It blocks distracting applications and introduces a brief pause before you can access them, encouraging healthier digital habits.
- Block distracting apps
- Unlock with breathing exercise
- Set allowed schedules
- Track app access habits
- Reduce impulsive app opens
- Build mindful screen time
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Stop mindless scrolling and open apps more intentionally. FlowBuddy helps you stay focused by blocking distracting apps and websites, adding a small pause before you access them. Set which apps and web domains to block, choose how access works, and build healthier phone habits over time. FlowBuddy uses Screen Time-based shielding for apps and websites, supports allowed schedules, tracks activity, and can require a breathing exercise before access is restored. Key Features: - Block distracting apps and websites - Unlock with a breathing exercise - Set allowed schedules - Track your app access habits - Reduce impulsive app and web browsing - Build more mindful screen time FlowBuddy is designed to make app opening feel intentional instead of automatic. "It has significantly improved my ability to stay focused for extended periods. The Breathing Exercise feature is a game-changer!" - tsteven9 Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://flowbuddy.app/privacy/?ref=appstore
ShieldFlow
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Take back your focus. ShieldFlow blocks distracting apps using Apple's own Screen Time technology — so you can do your best work, build real habits, and reclaim your day. WHY SHIELDFLOW Phone addiction is real. The average person picks up their phone 96 times a day. ShieldFlow puts you back in control — without guilt, without complexity. FEATURES INSTANT APP BLOCKING Block any app in one tap. Selected apps show a shield screen instead of opening. Works with Apple's FamilyControls — the same technology Apple uses for Screen Time. FOCUS LOCK Pick a duration before you start and ShieldFlow makes it impossible to quit early. 25 minutes free. Unlock longer sessions with Pro. POMODORO MODE Built-in Pomodoro timer automatically blocks apps during work intervals and lifts them during breaks. No setup required. AUTOMATIC SCHEDULES Set recurring focus windows for work hours, study time, or bedtime. ShieldFlow blocks automatically — no manual tapping required. STREAKS & DAILY STATS Track your focus minutes, build streaks, and watch your progress with a beautiful weekly chart. Habits stick when you can see them. DAILY GOALS Set a daily focus goal from 30 minutes to 8 hours. Watch your progress bar fill up throughout the day. 100% PRIVATE ShieldFlow never sees which apps you block. Zero data leaves your device. No account required. No tracking. No ads. HOW IT WORKS 1. Enable Screen Time access (takes 5 seconds) 2. Choose which apps distract you most 3. Tap Start Focus — those apps are gone 4. End the session and see your stats grow FREE VS PRO Free includes: block up to 3 individual apps, Focus Lock up to 25 minutes, 1 automatic schedule, daily stats, and streak tracking. ShieldFlow Pro unlocks: block entire app categories (social, games, news — one tap blocks them all), unlimited individual app blocking, extended Focus Lock (50m, 90m, and custom), unlimited schedules, monthly insights, and priority support. Try Pro free for 7 days — no charge until the trial ends. Cancel anytime in iOS Settings. PRIVACY Your data never leaves your iPhone. ShieldFlow uses Apple's FamilyControls framework and never has access to which apps you block. No account needed. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
FlowBuddy and ShieldFlow are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. FlowBuddy sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.90 per month and ShieldFlow sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
| Parameter | FlowBuddy | ShieldFlow |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.5 (13 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 13 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 110 MB | 5 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Costin Bernhart | Angela Freeman |
In-app purchases
FlowBuddy
- Monthly$4.901 Month
- Yearly7 Days trial$9.991 Year
- Family (Yearly)7 Days trial$49.901 Year
- Lifetime$19.99
ShieldFlow
- ShieldFlow Pro$6.991 Month
- ShieldFlow Pro7 Days trial$49.991 Year









