# JointSpend vs Anchor

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: JointSpend at none against Anchor's 3. Anchor's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs fortnightly). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Anchor sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. JointSpend asks for nothing beyond the download.

JointSpend ships an update fortnightly, Anchor every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | JointSpend | Anchor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/anchor-focus-timer-and-blocker/id6758787495/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 39 MB | 62 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.1** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Veena Singh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1787289870) | [Lassi Kotamaki](https://appshunter.io/developer/1869405296) |

## What reviewers say

### JointSpend

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jointspend/id6739848731)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Anchor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/anchor-focus-timer-and-blocker/id6758787495)

This app enforces focus by blocking distracting applications at the system level, eliminating willpower reliance. It offers various focus modes, ambient soundscapes, and progress tracking to help users build better habits. Optional cloud sync ensures data privacy.

**Highlights:** System-level app blocking, Multiple focus modes (Pomodoro, Deep Work), Ambient soundscapes, Progress tracking and analytics, Task and project management, Dynamic Island and Lock Screen integration, Achievements and streaks

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Anchor Pro Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Anchor Pro Yearly | $24.99 | per year |
| Anchor Pro Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is JointSpend free?

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

### Is Anchor free?

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

### Do JointSpend or Anchor have ads?

Neither JointSpend nor Anchor shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, JointSpend or Anchor?

JointSpend ships an update fortnightly, and Anchor every 4 days. Most recently, JointSpend was updated on October 7, 2026 and Anchor on October 9, 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.*