# SandBud vs FileShield

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: FileShield at none against SandBud's 2. FileShield also leads on update cadence (daily vs weekly). SandBud's advantage is ratings volume (30 vs 3) and iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SandBud sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. FileShield asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for SandBud against 5.0 for FileShield. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SandBud has 30 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

SandBud ships an update weekly, FileShield daily. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SandBud | FileShield |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (30 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandbud-focus-app-blocker/id6550890951/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fileshield-private-vault/id6754226505/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **30** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 281 MB | 58 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sean Kuannery Media, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1757730721) | [Dark Fusion Labs LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1844700231) |

## What reviewers say

### SandBud

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandbud-focus-app-blocker/id6550890951)

This app helps you reclaim your screen time and build focus habits by blocking distracting applications. It gamifies the process by allowing you to design a virtual zen garden with elements earned from completed focus sessions. Stay present, reduce scrolling, and cultivate mindfulness with rewarding progress tracking.

**Highlights:** Block apps with focus plans, Design a virtual zen garden, Earn rewards for focus streaks, Track daily focus progress, Enter deep focus with Zen Mode, Take timed breaks, View screen time reports

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TimeBack Premium (Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| TimeBack Premium (Yearly) | $59.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Thoughtfully designed
- 👍 Helps save from bad habits
- 👍 Blend of technology and mindfulness
- 👍 Gamified experience for reducing screen time
- 👍 Nurtures a positive habit


### FileShield

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fileshield-private-vault/id6754226505)

Securely store and manage sensitive documents offline with advanced search capabilities. Protect your private information with biometric security and local-only processing, ensuring your data never leaves your device.

**Highlights:** Fully offline vault, Dual-mode search with Apple Intelligence, Biometric security (Face ID/Touch ID), Local-Only Mode to block iCloud backups, Secure offline scanning and import, Intuitive document management with drag-and-drop

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SandBud free?

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

### Is FileShield free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SandBud or FileShield?

FileShield is rated higher. SandBud averages 4.9 out of 5 from 30 ratings, while FileShield averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do SandBud or FileShield have ads?

Neither SandBud nor FileShield shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SandBud or FileShield?

SandBud ships an update weekly, and FileShield daily. Most recently, SandBud was updated on October 21, 2026 and FileShield on October 25, 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.*