# Gauge vs MindfulBlock

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Gauge at none against MindfulBlock's 3. Gauge also leads on iOS requirement (18.6 vs 26.5). MindfulBlock's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MindfulBlock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Gauge asks for nothing beyond the download.

Gauge ships an update every 3 months, MindfulBlock every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Gauge | MindfulBlock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindfulblock-app-blocker/id6748968786/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.6** | 26.5 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Peter Bruce](https://appshunter.io/developer/889627600) | [Daniil Shevliuk](https://appshunter.io/developer/1689496450) |

## What reviewers say

### Gauge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gauge/id6503662052)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### MindfulBlock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindfulblock-app-blocker/id6748968786)

This app helps you break free from distracting apps by prompting a brief reflection before opening them. Transform mindless scrolling into a mindful journaling habit and regain control of your screen time.

**Highlights:** Pause before opening distracting apps, Jot down quick reflections, Unlock short focus windows, Breaks habit loops, Builds emotional awareness, 100% private, no accounts

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MindfulBlock Plus (Monthly) | $3.99 | per month |
| MindfulBlock Plus (Annual) | $29.99 | per year |
| MindfulBlock Plus (Lifetime) | $69.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Gauge free?

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

### Is MindfulBlock free?

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

### Do Gauge or MindfulBlock have ads?

Neither Gauge nor MindfulBlock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Gauge or MindfulBlock?

Gauge ships an update every 3 months, and MindfulBlock every 3 weeks. Most recently, Gauge was updated on November 4, 2026 and MindfulBlock on October 30, 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.*