# HCF vs Open Blocker

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.

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.

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.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | HCF | Open Blocker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hcf-hardcore-focus/id6720709211/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/open-blocker-nfc-app-blocker/id6824046126/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **9** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 16 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Flyt19 Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1770646599) | [Finn Jennen](https://appshunter.io/developer/6824046128) |

## 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 |


### Open Blocker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/open-blocker-nfc-app-blocker/id6824046126)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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.

---

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