# Smile App Launcher vs PauseBox

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PauseBox at none against Smile App Launcher's 3. Smile App Launcher's advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (359 vs 44). On price, rating, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Smile App Launcher sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. PauseBox asks for nothing beyond the download.

PauseBox holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Smile App Launcher has 359 ratings behind it against 44, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 91% of Smile App Launcher's written reviews are positive against 82% of PauseBox's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Smile App Launcher ships an update every 5 weeks, PauseBox every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Smile App Launcher | PauseBox |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (359 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smile-app-launcher/id6612008811/reviews) | **[4.9 (44 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pausebox/id6745524690/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **359** | 44 |
| Positive reviews | **90.9% of reviews** | 82.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 17 MB | 90 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.1** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Eggvelop Aps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1761271471) | [Britt Espinosa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1812701009) |

## What reviewers say

### Smile App Launcher

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smile-app-launcher/id6612008811)

This app offers a minimalistic launcher widget designed to declutter your smartphone screen and reduce distractions. It provides quick access to essential applications through a clean interface, helping you focus on what matters and enhance your digital wellbeing.

**Highlights:** Clean, no distraction interface, Quick access to essential apps, Customizable widget layout, 5 Widgets, Boost productivity, Enhance digital wellbeing

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Smile Premium Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Smile Premium Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Smile Lifetime | $23.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Amazing free alternative
- 👍 Best free app
- 🚀 Drastically decreases screen time
- 👍 Seamless functionality
- 👍 Highly customizable

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional glitches with app launching
- 🐛 Widget name not fully customizable
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Reported bugs**

- Phone app shortcut not working
- Some apps not available in the list
- Widget disappearing after iOS update

**Requested features**

- More widget pages/slots
- Ability to hide widget name
- Support for iPad
- More font options
- Spacer widgets for layout customization


### PauseBox

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pausebox/id6745524690)

This app helps you block digital distractions by creating a physical barrier. Select apps to block, create custom groups with schedules, and then tap your phone on a physical device to initiate a focus session. It encourages intentional separation to break habit loops.

**Highlights:** Select apps to block, Create custom Pause Groups, Schedule focus sessions, Use physical device for blocking, Remote blocking option, Intentional separation from phone

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Smile App Launcher free?

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

### Is PauseBox free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Smile App Launcher or PauseBox?

PauseBox is rated higher. Smile App Launcher averages 4.7 out of 5 from 359 ratings, while PauseBox averages 4.9 from 44 ratings.

### Do Smile App Launcher or PauseBox have ads?

Neither Smile App Launcher nor PauseBox shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Smile App Launcher or PauseBox?

Smile App Launcher ships an update every 5 weeks, and PauseBox every 3 months. Most recently, Smile App Launcher was updated on October 30, 2026 and PauseBox on October 28, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*