# BarrierSystems ControlApp vs Barrier

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: BarrierSystems ControlApp at none against Barrier's 3. BarrierSystems ControlApp also leads on device support (3 vs 1). Barrier's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 8 months). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Barrier sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. BarrierSystems ControlApp asks for nothing beyond the download.

BarrierSystems ControlApp ships an update every 8 months, Barrier every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BarrierSystems ControlApp | Barrier |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barrier-screen-time-blocker/id6756778740/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 35 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [BarrierSystems GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1750464226) | [Savelii Veprev](https://appshunter.io/developer/1689265930) |

## What reviewers say

### BarrierSystems ControlApp

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barriersystems-controlapp/id6503943341)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Barrier

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barrier-screen-time-blocker/id6756778740)

This app helps you regain control over your phone usage by creating a physical barrier to accessing distracting applications. Instead of simply closing apps, it requires you to wait a set amount of time with your phone face down before granting temporary access, prompting reflection on your digital habits.

**Highlights:** Select apps to limit, Automatic app locking, Face-down phone wait for unlock, Temporary app access, Customizable wait times (5-60 seconds), Unlimited apps with paid version

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium for week | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium for month | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium Forever | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BarrierSystems ControlApp free?

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

### Is Barrier free?

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

### Do BarrierSystems ControlApp or Barrier have ads?

Neither BarrierSystems ControlApp nor Barrier shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BarrierSystems ControlApp or Barrier?

BarrierSystems ControlApp ships an update every 8 months, and Barrier every 2 weeks. Most recently, BarrierSystems ControlApp was updated on November 4, 2026 and Barrier 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.*