# Bloom vs Dearest

The clearest difference is rating: Bloom at 4.8 against Dearest's 3.0. Bloom also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ratings volume (3.5K vs 2). Dearest's advantage is update cadence (every 6 days vs fortnightly). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Dearest sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Bloom asks for nothing beyond the download.

Bloom holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Bloom has 3.5K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Bloom ships an update fortnightly, Dearest every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on November 12, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bloom | Dearest |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (3.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bloom-conquer-screen-time/id6736728158/reviews)** | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dearest-letters-and-memories/id6790823627/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3.5K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 65.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 67 MB | 31 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.6** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Find Your Bloom LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1773221809) | [Luke Cichocki](https://appshunter.io/developer/6790823629) |

## 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


### Dearest

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dearest-letters-and-memories/id6790823627)

A private digital space to write heartfelt letters, record voice notes, and save photos/videos for loved ones. Memories can be opened immediately or sealed for future dates, with options for printable keepsakes and secure vault protection.

**Highlights:** Write letters and record voice notes, Save photos and videos, Seal memories for future opening, PIN and Face ID protection, Printable memory books, Home Screen widgets, Export entire vault

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dearest Plus Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Dearest Plus Yearly | $99.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bloom free?

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

### Is Dearest free?

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

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

Bloom is rated higher. Bloom averages 4.8 out of 5 from 3.5K ratings, while Dearest averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Bloom or Dearest have ads?

Neither Bloom nor Dearest shows ads.

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

Bloom ships an update fortnightly, and Dearest every 6 days. Most recently, Bloom was updated on November 12, 2026 and Dearest on November 5, 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.*