# HCF vs Lachlan

The clearest difference is monetization model: HCF at free with in-app purchases against Lachlan's subscription. HCF also leads on iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). Lachlan's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. HCF sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Lachlan sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for HCF against 5.0 for Lachlan. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 8 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

HCF ships an update fortnightly, Lachlan every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HCF | Lachlan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hcf-hardcore-focus/id6720709211/reviews) | [5.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lachlan-screen-time-control/id6792966928/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **9** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 16 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Flyt19 Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1770646599) | [ND Enterprises](https://appshunter.io/developer/6792966930) |

## What reviewers say

### HCF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hcf-hardcore-focus/id6720709211)

This app helps users break free from distractions and lock into focused work or study sessions. It offers a focus timer, habit tracking, and a gamified rewards system to make productivity engaging and rewarding.

**Highlights:** Hardcore Focus Timer, Gamified rewards and story progression, Distraction-free design, Customizable focus sessions, Habit tracking, Phone locking for accountability

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Focus Pass Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Hardcore Focus Pass | $29.99 | per year |


### Lachlan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lachlan-screen-time-control/id6792966928)

This app acts as a digital padlock that blocks distracting applications on a set schedule. It requires users to explain their reasons for wanting to access blocked apps, making the decision to bypass the block a conscious one rather than a reflex. It aims to create friction and awkwardness to prevent accidental usage.

**Highlights:** Scheduled app blocking, Justification required for bypass, Personalized reminders, Instant lockdown mode, Offline functionality, Home screen widget

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Lachlan Monthly Subscription | $7.99 | per month |
| Lachlan Yearly Subscription | $69.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HCF free?

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

### Is Lachlan free?

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

### Which has better reviews, HCF or Lachlan?

HCF and Lachlan are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 9 and 8 ratings respectively.

### Do HCF or Lachlan have ads?

HCF shows ads; Lachlan does not.

### Which is updated more often, HCF or Lachlan?

HCF ships an update fortnightly, and Lachlan every 9 days. Most recently, HCF was updated on October 30, 2026 and Lachlan on October 29, 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.*