# Bloom vs Recode

The clearest difference is rating: Bloom at 4.8 against Recode's 4.2. Bloom also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ratings volume (2.4K vs 5). Recode's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs fortnightly). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Recode sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Bloom asks for nothing beyond the download.

Bloom holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Bloom has 2.4K ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 66% and 67% positive.

Bloom ships an update fortnightly, Recode weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bloom | Recode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (2.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bloom-conquer-screen-time/id6736728158/reviews)** | [4.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/recode-screen-time-control/id6752352978/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.4K** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 65.9% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 67 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Find Your Bloom LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1773221809) | [Alexander Hartigan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1839013984) |

## 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


### Recode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/recode-screen-time-control/id6752352978)

This app helps you regain focus by physically preventing access to distracting applications. It requires scanning a QR or barcode to unlock apps, creating friction that discourages reflex checking and promotes productivity.

**Highlights:** Physical app blocking via QR/barcode scan, Accountability through intentional unlocking, Reduces reflex app checking, Promotes focus and productivity, Customizable app blocking schedules

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly | $19.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bloom free?

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

### Is Recode free?

Recode is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

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

Bloom is rated higher. Bloom averages 4.8 out of 5 from 2.4K ratings, while Recode averages 4.2 from 5 ratings.

### Do Bloom or Recode have ads?

Neither Bloom nor Recode shows ads.

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

Bloom ships an update fortnightly, and Recode weekly. Most recently, Bloom was updated on October 3, 2026 and Recode on September 18, 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.*