Comparison

Bloom vs App Blocker

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

Head to head
About

Bloom

This app helps you conquer screen time by requiring you to tap an NFC keycard to your phone to access distracting apps. Set schedules, manage breaks, and utilize strict mode to stay focused. It's a physical solution for digital detox and improved productivity.

Highlights
  • NFC keycard app blocking
  • Customizable distraction lists
  • Focus schedules
  • Break limits
  • Strict mode
  • Emergency exits
Read full description

Most screen time apps fail because they’re easy to bypass. Bloom was created to fix that. Bloom revolutionizes your productivity by requiring you to scan an NFC keycard to your phone to access distracting apps. **How It Works** - Choose Your Distractions: Select the apps or websites you find most distracting. - Block Your Distractions: Tap your Bloom card to your phone to block those apps. - Live Distraction-Free: Stay productive with your card out of reach. When ready, just tap your Bloom card to your phone to unblock your apps. **Features** - Schedules: Set personalized schedules for your focus periods, allowing them to start and end automatically. - Breaks: Use your apps mindfully by setting limits on the frequency and duration of your breaks. - Strict Mode: Disable your ability to delete the Bloom app while in focus mode (optional). - Emergency Exits: Unblock all of your apps without your bloom card up to three times. **Why Bloom** - Spend less time on your phone and more time doing things that actually matter. - Improve your work habits by blocking out distractions. - Our physical solution is the ultimate solution for digital detox and time management. With Bloom’s NFC keycard, you can leave the “key” to your distractions behind, ensuring you stay focused and productive. Find your Bloom today and enjoy life beyond your phone! (We prioritize your privacy—your screen time data stays securely on your device and is never shared or stored elsewhere). Learn more by visiting our website: bloom.inc

About

App Blocker

Features
Read full description

Bring your own NFC tag. No pricey puck required. VantaFocus blocks distracting apps the moment you tap a 10-cent sticker—or just press Start. Build streaks, see time saved and stay present wherever you work. Why VantaFocus beats ordinary timers Works with any NFC sticker, card or key-fob – no proprietary hardware. You can even print your own VantaTag. One-tap “Focus Session” or classic Pomodoro timer. Automatic app & notification blocking (custom lists). Unlimited focus profiles – Work, Study, Family, Gym… you decide. Stats & streaks: screen-time cut, sessions logged, longest run. Pay once, own it forever or flexible subscription options. How it works Assign an NFC tag in the app (takes 5 s). Tap to start – distracting apps lock, focus timer starts. Tap again or finish timer – phone unlocks, stats update. Whether you’re deep-coding, revising for exams or sharing dinner with family, VantaFocus helps you reclaim every minute. Terms of use can be found here: https://vantafocus.com/eula

Screenshots

Bloom4 screens
App Blocker4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Bloom at none against App Blocker's 4. On price, update cadence, ads 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. App Blocker sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Bloom asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Bloom ships an update fortnightly, App Blocker monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Bloom versus App Blocker: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBloomApp Blocker
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (2.4K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews66.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2.4K — better—
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.6 — better18.2
Further details — not scored
Size67 MB20 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFind Your Bloom LLCTim Haerle

Bugs and requests

Bloom

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • App crashes when selecting apps for blocklist
  • Settings fail to save consistently

Requested features

2 requests
  • More flexible session scheduling options
  • Thinner, more discreet physical card

App Blocker

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Bloom

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

App Blocker

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly$3.991 Month
  • Yearly$24.991 Year
One-time2
  • Lifetime Launch Offer$24.99
  • Lifetime$44.99

Questions

Is Bloom free?
Bloom is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is App Blocker free?
App Blocker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Bloom or App Blocker have ads?
Neither Bloom nor App Blocker shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Bloom or App Blocker?
Bloom ships an update fortnightly, and App Blocker monthly. Most recently, Bloom was updated on September 24, 2026 and App Blocker on September 11, 2026.

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