# Black Box vs App Lock

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Black Box at none against App Lock's 2. Black Box also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 5 weeks). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. App Lock sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Black Box asks for nothing beyond the download.

App Lock holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 41 and 22 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 67% and 67% positive.

Black Box ships an update every 3 days, App Lock every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Black Box | App Lock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (41 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/black-box-lock-restrict-apps/id6547836962/reviews) | **[4.9 (22 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-app-blocker-vault/id6737890063/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **41** | 22 |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 68 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [俊涛 刘](https://appshunter.io/developer/1702439770) | [Beijing iDOTOOLS Technology Co., Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1627204739) |

## What reviewers say

### Black Box

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/black-box-lock-restrict-apps/id6547836962)

Secure your phone by locking and restricting access to sensitive applications. Protect your private data with advanced password protection and prevent unauthorized app usage or in-app purchases. Enjoy comprehensive digital privacy with an easy-to-use interface.

**Highlights:** App locking with password protection, App disappearance for hidden access, App usage restrictions, Secure privacy with advanced passwords, Payment locking for in-app purchases, Intuitive interface

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### App Lock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-app-blocker-vault/id6737890063)

Secure your personal data by locking individual apps with a password. This tool helps prevent unauthorized access to photos, videos, and social media. It also includes features to limit app usage time, aiding in parental control and promoting healthy digital habits.

**Highlights:** App locking with password, Private photo and video vault, App usage time limits, Parental control features, Advanced password security, App grouping

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Black Box free?

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

### Is App Lock free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Black Box or App Lock?

App Lock is rated higher. Black Box averages 4.7 out of 5 from 41 ratings, while App Lock averages 4.9 from 22 ratings.

### Do Black Box or App Lock have ads?

Neither Black Box nor App Lock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Black Box or App Lock?

Black Box ships an update every 3 days, and App Lock every 5 weeks. Most recently, Black Box was updated on October 24, 2026 and App Lock on October 24, 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.*