Comparison

HCF vs Open Blocker

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

HCF

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
Read full description

**The Focus App the Works & Lock Into Hardcore Focus** Break free from "doom-scrolling" and distractions with **Hardcore Focus**—the ultimate **focus timer** and **productivity app** designed to help you take control of your time and unlock your potential. Whether you're conquering work tasks, acing your studies, or reclaiming moments for mindfulness, **Hardcore Focus** combines discipline and motivation to help you stay productive. With a **focus timer**, **habit tracker**, and **gamified rewards system**, it transforms productivity into a rewarding adventure. ### **Why Choose Hardcore Focus?** - **Phone Responsibly**: Stay committed to focus sessions with a system that locks distractions out. - **Unlock Your Potential**: Progress through engaging stories and earn rewards for every session completed. - **Minimalist Design**: Stay laser-focused with an interface built to keep interruptions at bay. - **Break Habits, Build Discipline**: Cultivate focus and transform screen time into productivity. ### **Who’s It For?** - **Students**: Focus on studies and eliminate procrastination. - **Professionals**: Boost productivity and achieve career goals. - **Mindfulness Seekers**: Reclaim your attention and find balance. - **Parents**: Lead by example with healthier phone habits. - **Habit Builders**: Build long-lasting focus routines with clear progress tracking. ### **Key Features**: - **Hardcore Focus Timer**: Stay locked into productive sessions without distractions. - **Rewards & Adventures**: Complete focus sessions to earn rewards and advance Grentel’s story. - **Distraction-Free Design**: No pop-ups, no ads—just you and your goals. - **Customizable Sessions**: Tailor focus times to fit your unique needs. - **Quick Start**: No sign-ups, no clutter—just focus. ### **Why Hardcore Focus Stands Out** Unlike other apps, **Hardcore Focus** locks you into your sessions for ultimate accountability. It’s not just a timer; it’s a lifestyle shift. Whether you’re reducing screen time, improving time management, or building better habits, Hardcore Focus is your companion on the journey to transformation. ### **How It Works**: 1. Start your focus session and lock in. 2. Keep your phone down to progress in Grentel’s adventure and earn rewards. 3. Track your success and celebrate the milestones of focus mastery. **Transform your productivity and focus with discipline. Download Hardcore Focus today and reclaim your time.** Hardcore Focus uses Apple’s standard LICENSED APPLICATION END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Open Blocker

This app helps you focus by locking distracting applications until you scan a physical key. It supports various key types like transit cards, NFC stickers, or QR codes. Features include deep work modes, scheduled blocks, and emergency unblocks.

Highlights
  • Scan physical keys to unlock apps
  • Supports NFC cards, stickers, QR codes, barcodes
  • Deep work, sleep, and family time modes
  • Scheduled app blocking
  • Emergency unblocks
  • Open source and ad-free
Features
Read full description

Lock distracting apps until you scan a key you already own. Open source, no ads. Pick the apps that pull you in and start a block. They stay locked until you scan your key. Your key can be: • A card you carry. Many transit cards, hotel keys and work badges work. • An NFC sticker • A QR code you print • A barcode, like the one on a book Also: • Modes for deep work, sleep and family time • Schedules that start a block for you • 5 emergency unblocks every 6 months for when your key is out of reach No account. No ads. Your keys and app choices stay on your phone. Built on Apple's Screen Time framework. The only data sent is an anonymous count of completed blocks. You can turn it off in Settings. MIT licensed. Source code: github.com/fjenn/open-blocker

Screenshots

HCF4 screens
Open Blocker4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Open Blocker at none against HCF's 2. Open Blocker also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 days vs fortnightly). HCF's advantage is ratings volume (9 vs 1). On price, rating, review sentiment 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. HCF sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Open Blocker asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for HCF against 5.0 for Open Blocker. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HCF has 9 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

HCF ships an update fortnightly, Open Blocker every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
HCF versus Open Blocker: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHCFOpen Blocker
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (9 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings9 — better1
Update frequencyFortnightlyEvery 2 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS17.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size16 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFlyt19 Inc.Finn Jennen

Customer experience

HCF

All ratings9 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Open Blocker

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

HCF

Subscriptions2
  • Focus Pass Monthly3 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Hardcore Focus Pass3 Days trial$29.991 Year
None

Open Blocker

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is HCF free?
HCF is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Open Blocker free?
Open Blocker is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, HCF or Open Blocker?
HCF and Open Blocker are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 9 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do HCF or Open Blocker have ads?
HCF shows ads; Open Blocker does not.
Which is updated more often, HCF or Open Blocker?
HCF ships an update fortnightly, and Open Blocker every 2 days. Most recently, HCF was updated on November 4, 2026 and Open Blocker on November 6, 2026.

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