# LockDown Browser vs Sharpen

The clearest difference is rating: Sharpen at 4.7 against LockDown Browser's 1.2. Sharpen also leads on review sentiment (38% vs 8%) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 weeks). LockDown Browser's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 8) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Sharpen sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $11.99 per month. LockDown Browser asks for nothing beyond the download.

Sharpen holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 1.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3.9K and 3.2K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 8% of LockDown Browser's written reviews are positive against 38% of Sharpen's.

LockDown Browser ships an update every 5 weeks, Sharpen every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | LockDown Browser | Sharpen |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.2 (3.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lockdown-browser/id659101775/reviews) | **[4.7 (3.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sharpen-college-exam-prep/id1595642363/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3.9K** | 3.2K |
| Positive reviews | 7.8% of reviews | **38.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#200** |
| Size | 17 MB | 193 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Respondus Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/365544611) | [McGraw-Hill](https://appshunter.io/developer/325792150) |

## What reviewers say

### LockDown Browser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lockdown-browser/id659101775)

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.

**Highlights:** Locks down exam environment, Prevents switching applications, Blocks access to other URLs, Disables screenshots, Prohibits copying or printing, Integrates with learning systems

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works well on iPad
- 🔒 Secures exams
- 👍 Helpful for online tests

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes frequently
- 🔒 Locks down devices too aggressively
- 👎 Unreliable and glitchy
- 💤 Slow and unresponsive
- 🔋 Drains device battery

**Reported bugs**

- 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**

- Improved compatibility with iPads
- Better error handling and recovery
- Streamlined setup and onboarding
- More user-friendly interface


### Sharpen

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sharpen-college-exam-prep/id1595642363)

**Currently charting:** #200 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

This app revolutionizes college exam preparation by assessing your knowledge, identifying weak areas, and offering personalized AI-driven study plans. Access quizzes, videos, flashcards, and AI-powered study assistance to boost your exam readiness.

**Highlights:** AI-driven study recommendations, Personalized knowledge assessment, Multiple quiz modes, Bite-sized video lessons, AI study buddy (Ask Sharpen), Textbook-aligned content

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sharpen+ | $11.99 | per month |
| Sharpen+ | $17.99 | per month |
| Sharpen+ | $17.99 | per month |
| Sharpen+ 3 month | $29.99 | per 3 months |
| Sharpen+ 3 month | $29.99 | per 3 months |
| Sharpen+ 12 month BTS | $59.99 | per year |
| Sharpen+ 12 month | $89.99 | per year |
| Sharpen+ 12 month | $89.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Helpful study tools
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 💡 Directly tied to textbooks
- 👍 Useful for exam preparation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔒 Login and sign-in issues
- 💰 Subscription-based model
- 🤔 Limited subject coverage

**Reported bugs**

- Incorrect answer registrations
- Repeated questions across chapters
- Inability to restart quizzes
- Crashing and freezing issues

**Requested features**

- Expand subject coverage to include more disciplines
- Improve stability and reduce crashes
- Add support for landscape mode and multitasking on iPad
- Provide more variety and randomization of practice questions


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LockDown Browser free?

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

### Is Sharpen free?

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

### Which has better reviews, LockDown Browser or Sharpen?

Sharpen is rated higher. LockDown Browser averages 1.2 out of 5 from 3.9K ratings, while Sharpen averages 4.7 from 3.2K ratings.

### Do LockDown Browser or Sharpen have ads?

Neither LockDown Browser nor Sharpen shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, LockDown Browser or Sharpen?

LockDown Browser ships an update every 5 weeks, and Sharpen every 2 weeks. Most recently, LockDown Browser was updated on September 22, 2026 and Sharpen on September 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.*