Bloom vs Monk
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- NFC keycard app blocking
- Customizable distraction lists
- Focus schedules
- Break limits
- Strict mode
- Emergency exits
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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
Monk
This app helps you regain control over your time by blocking distracting applications with a physical tag. It offers customizable blocking modes, including deep focus and strict lockdown, to create an environment conducive to work, study, or mindfulness.
- Physical tag for blocking/unblocking
- Customizable app groups
- Focus statistics
- Scheduled blocking
- Remote blocking
- Emergency unblocks
- Strict Mode for undeletable app
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In a world full of distractions, Monk helps you take back control. It pairs a physical tag with a powerful app to block the noise — and give you your time back. With a single tap, you enter Monk Mode. Apps you’ve chosen get blocked. Focus kicks in. Need something more intense? Activate Deep Focus — during that time, not even your NFC tag can unlock your phone. Want total lockdown? Turn on Strict Mode to make the app undeletable and your setup unbreakable. Whether you’re working, studying, or just trying to be present, Monk creates an environment where focus thrives. Key Features: • Tap your Monk to block/unblock distractions • Customizable app groups for different modes • Weekly & daily focus stats • Scheduled blocks via Apple Shortcuts (e.g. “when I arrive at the library”) • Remote blocking — lock down your phone from anywhere • Emergency unblocks (you get 3 — use them wisely) • Strict Mode: makes the app undeletable while active • Optional setup for a completely unbreakable experience Monk isn’t just about blocking apps — it’s about building better habits. It’s for people who are done negotiating with their attention. Tap in. Enter Monk Mode.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Monk at 100% against Bloom's 66%. Monk also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Bloom's advantage is ratings volume (2.4K vs 1) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Monk holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Bloom has 2.4K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of Bloom's written reviews are positive against 100% of Monk's.
Bloom ships an update fortnightly, Monk monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Bloom | Monk |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (2.4K ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 66.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 2.4K — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly — better | Monthly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free — better | Ad-supported |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 17.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 67 MB | 24 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Find Your Bloom LLC | monk HQ |
Customer experience
Bloom
Monk
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
Monk
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Bloom
No in-app purchases
Monk
No in-app purchases








