# Bloom vs Monk

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bloom | Monk |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (2.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bloom-conquer-screen-time/id6736728158/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monk-1-physical-app-blocker/id6746379633/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **2.4K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 65.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 67 MB | 24 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Find Your Bloom LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1773221809) | [monk HQ](https://appshunter.io/developer/1813579849) |

## What reviewers say

### Bloom

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bloom-conquer-screen-time/id6736728158)

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Helps reduce screen time
- 👍 Effective at improving productivity
- 💡 Unique physical card concept
- 🔒 Prevents access to distracting apps
- 👍 Gamified approach is motivating

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy app with crashes and settings issues
- 💡 Could use more flexible session scheduling

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when selecting apps for blocklist
- Settings fail to save consistently

**Requested features**

- More flexible session scheduling options
- Thinner, more discreet physical card


### Monk

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monk-1-physical-app-blocker/id6746379633)

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.

**Highlights:** Physical tag for blocking/unblocking, Customizable app groups, Focus statistics, Scheduled blocking, Remote blocking, Emergency unblocks, Strict Mode for undeletable app

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bloom free?

Bloom is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Monk free?

Monk is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Bloom or Monk?

Monk is rated higher. Bloom averages 4.8 out of 5 from 2.4K ratings, while Monk averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Bloom or Monk have ads?

Neither Bloom nor Monk shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Bloom or Monk?

Bloom ships an update fortnightly, and Monk monthly. Most recently, Bloom was updated on September 27, 2026 and Monk on September 13, 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.*