# Dumb Phone (dp) vs Recode

The clearest difference is rating: Dumb Phone (dp) at 4.6 against Recode's 4.2. Dumb Phone (dp) also leads on ratings volume (3.8K vs 5). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Dumb Phone (dp) sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Recode sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Dumb Phone (dp) holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Dumb Phone (dp) has 3.8K ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of Dumb Phone (dp)'s written reviews are positive against 67% of Recode's.

Dumb Phone (dp) ships an update fortnightly, Recode weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Dumb Phone (dp) | Recode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (3.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dumb-phone-dp/id6504743503/reviews)** | [4.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/recode-screen-time-control/id6752352978/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3.8K** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | **68.2% of reviews** | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 371 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.1** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Michael Tigas](https://appshunter.io/developer/1364337001) | [Alexander Hartigan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1839013984) |

## What reviewers say

### Dumb Phone (dp)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dumb-phone-dp/id6504743503)

Transform your iPhone into a minimalist device by replacing distracting app icons and notifications with simple buttons for essential apps. Create custom launchers for different contexts and utilize detox modes to reduce digital distractions.

**Highlights:** Create minimalist launchers, Select essential apps, Style Home Screen with themes, Block and hide non-essential apps, Quickly switch launchers via Control Center, Adapt to Liquid Glass changes

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dumb Phone Pro (1 month) | $2.99 | per month |
| Dumb Phone Pro (1 month) | $3.99 | per month |
| Dumb Phone Pro (1 month) | $5.99 | per month |
| Dumb Phone Pro (1 year) | $9.99 | per year |
| Dumb Phone Pro (1 year) | $12.99 | per year |
| Dumb Phone Pro (1 year) | $14.99 | per year |
| Dumb Phone Pro (1 year) | $19.99 | per year |
| Dumb Phone Pro Family (1 year) | $24.99 | per year |
| Dumb Phone Pro Lifetime | $24.99 | one-time |
| Dumb Phone Pro Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |
| Dumb Phone Pro Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to set up
- 👍 Helps reduce screen time
- 👍 Customizable layout
- 👍 Responsive developer
- 🚀 Smooth app launching

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Clunky setup process
- 💡 Lack of widget customization
- 🔒 Hidden subscription model
- 🔒 Expensive for a widget app
- 🐛 Inconsistent app launching

**Reported bugs**

- Widget not appearing in list
- Apps opening through Shortcuts app
- Compatibility issues with older devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to hide App Library
- More widget customization options
- Customizable widget labels
- Detox mode for specific apps
- Support for more third-party apps


### Recode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/recode-screen-time-control/id6752352978)

This app helps you regain focus by physically preventing access to distracting applications. It requires scanning a QR or barcode to unlock apps, creating friction that discourages reflex checking and promotes productivity.

**Highlights:** Physical app blocking via QR/barcode scan, Accountability through intentional unlocking, Reduces reflex app checking, Promotes focus and productivity, Customizable app blocking schedules

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly | $19.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Dumb Phone (dp) free?

Dumb Phone (dp) is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Recode free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Dumb Phone (dp) or Recode?

Dumb Phone (dp) is rated higher. Dumb Phone (dp) averages 4.6 out of 5 from 3.8K ratings, while Recode averages 4.2 from 5 ratings.

### Do Dumb Phone (dp) or Recode have ads?

Neither Dumb Phone (dp) nor Recode shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Dumb Phone (dp) or Recode?

Dumb Phone (dp) ships an update fortnightly, and Recode weekly. Most recently, Dumb Phone (dp) was updated on October 3, 2026 and Recode on September 18, 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.*