# LockDown Browser vs Blackboard

The clearest difference is rating: Blackboard at 4.6 against LockDown Browser's 1.2. Blackboard also leads on ratings volume (443K vs 3.9K) and chart position (#79 vs unranked). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Blackboard holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 1.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Blackboard has 443K 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 14% of Blackboard's.

LockDown Browser ships an update every 5 weeks, Blackboard monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | LockDown Browser | Blackboard |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.2 (3.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lockdown-browser/id659101775/reviews) | **[4.6 (443K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blackboard/id950424861/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3.9K | **443K** |
| Positive reviews | 7.8% of reviews | **14.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | — | **#79** |
| Size | 17 MB | 172 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Respondus Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/365544611) | [Anthology Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676499025) |

## 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


### Blackboard

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blackboard/id950424861)

**Currently charting:** #79 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

This app connects students and instructors to their institution's learning management system. Access course materials, submit assignments, track grades, and communicate with peers and instructors on the go.

**Highlights:** Course updates and announcements, Assignment submission and testing, Grade tracking, Discussion board management, Material organization, Real-time notifications

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 🔒 Secure login process
- 💡 Helpful for busy students

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔄 Constant need to re-login
- 🕰️ Slow loading times
- 📱 Not optimized for mobile/tablets

**Reported bugs**

- Activity stream not loading properly
- Inconsistent behavior across mobile and web
- Inability to view full assignment details

**Requested features**

- Ability to customize course order
- Improved notifications and alerts
- Split-screen functionality for multitasking
- Offline access to course materials


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LockDown Browser free?

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

### Is Blackboard free?

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

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

Blackboard is rated higher. LockDown Browser averages 1.2 out of 5 from 3.9K ratings, while Blackboard averages 4.6 from 443K ratings.

### Do LockDown Browser or Blackboard have ads?

Neither LockDown Browser nor Blackboard shows ads.

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

LockDown Browser ships an update every 5 weeks, and Blackboard monthly. Most recently, LockDown Browser was updated on September 28, 2026 and Blackboard on October 1, 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.*