LockDown Browser vs Pearson+ | Study Prep & eTexts
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
LockDown Browser
This application creates a secure browser environment for online exams, preventing access to other applications, websites, or device functions. It ensures the integrity of assessments by locking users into the exam until submission. It is compatible with specific learning systems and can be used with proctoring systems if enabled by an instructor.
- Locks down exam environment
- Prevents switching applications
- Blocks access to other URLs
- Disables screenshots
- Prohibits copying or printing
- Integrates with learning systems
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LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the exam environment within specific learning and assessment systems. When LockDown Browser is used during an online exam, you are unable to go to other URLs, switch applications, take screenshots, copy questions or print. It essentially locks you into the exam until it’s submitted for grading. Important: This application can only be used with the Respondus Monitor proctoring system if your instructor has enabled the use of an iPad for the exam. If your instructor hasn't enabled the use of an iPad for the exam, you will be unable to use this application with it. While LockDown Browser isn’t the most exciting app available, it does make online assessments possible. And, hey, you can download it for free. This is NOT a limited-feature version and there are NO advertisements of any type.
Pearson+ | Study Prep & eTexts
Access your Pearson eTextbooks and supplementary learning materials in one app. Watch short video explanations of complex topics and utilize study tools like notes, highlights, and flashcards. The app also offers an audiobook feature for most eTextbooks and powerful search functionality.
- eTextbook access
- Video explanations
- Notes and highlights
- Audiobook feature
- Searchable content
- Flashcard creation
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The Pearson+ mobile app provides you access to all your Pearson eTextbooks in one place, as well as curated bite-sized video explanations of complex topics for your toughest college courses. Get started by logging in with the same username and password you created via the web-based version of Pearson+. Feature highlights: -- Anytime, anywhere access to eTextbook content and embedded media assets -- Short video explanations of complex topics to help you succeed in the classroom -- Ability to easily create and refer to your notes and highlights within the eTextbook -- Have your eTextbook read aloud to you with our audiobook feature (available for most eTextbooks) -- Search across all the content in the eTextbook to easily find exactly what you need -- Create your own flashcards or use pre-built ones to help you study -- Personalize the reading experience to best meet your needs For bug reports or general feedback, please reach out to us at PearsonPlusFeedback@pearson.com.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Pearson+ | Study Prep & eTexts at 4.8 against LockDown Browser's 1.2. Pearson+ | Study Prep & eTexts also leads on review sentiment (31% vs 8%) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 weeks). LockDown Browser's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Pearson+ | Study Prep & eTexts holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 1.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Pearson+ | Study Prep & eTexts has 61K ratings behind it against 3.9K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 8% of LockDown Browser's written reviews are positive against 31% of Pearson+ | Study Prep & eTexts's.
LockDown Browser ships an update every 5 weeks, Pearson+ | Study Prep & eTexts every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | LockDown Browser | Pearson+ | Study Prep & eTexts |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 1.2 (3.9K ratings) | 4.8 (61K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 7.8% of reviews | 30.5% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 3.9K | 61K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | #112 — better |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 17 MB | 501 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Respondus Inc. | Pearson Education, Inc. |
Customer experience
LockDown Browser
Pearson+ | Study Prep & eTexts
User reviews
LockDown Browser
From 3.9K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Works well on iPad
- 🔒 Secures exams
- 👍 Helpful for online tests
Room to improve
- 🐛 Crashes and freezes frequently
- 🔒 Locks down devices too aggressively
- 👎 Unreliable and glitchy
- 💤 Slow and unresponsive
- 🔋 Drains device battery
Pearson+ | Study Prep & eTexts
From 61K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Convenient access to textbooks
- 🎧 Useful audio feature
- 📚 Helpful study tools (flashcards, quizzes)
Room to improve
- 🐛 Buggy highlighting and page navigation
- 📱 Poor usability on mobile devices
- 🔍 Lack of search and page number features
- 💰 Expensive for limited functionality
Bugs and requests
LockDown Browser
Reported bugs
4 issues- Fails to load tests and quizzes
- Prevents device power off and exit
- Incompatible with other apps like Canvas
- Randomly kicks users out of exams
Requested features
4 requests- Improved compatibility with iPads
- Better error handling and recovery
- Streamlined setup and onboarding
- More user-friendly interface
Pearson+ | Study Prep & eTexts
Reported bugs
3 issues- Textbooks failing to load or display properly
- Audio playback issues and lack of syncing
- Inconsistent behavior when switching apps or rotating devices
Requested features
4 requests- Improved highlighting and annotation tools
- Better syncing between devices and web version
- Page number support
- Split-screen and landscape mode on tablets
In-app purchases
LockDown Browser
No in-app purchases
Pearson+ | Study Prep & eTexts
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is LockDown Browser free?
Is Pearson+ | Study Prep & eTexts free?
Which has better reviews, LockDown Browser or Pearson+ | Study Prep & eTexts?
Do LockDown Browser or Pearson+ | Study Prep & eTexts have ads?
Which is updated more often, LockDown Browser or Pearson+ | Study Prep & eTexts?
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