# Pillar vs Monk

The clearest difference is rating: Monk at 4.6 against Pillar's 3.2. Monk also leads on review sentiment (75% vs 58%) and ratings volume (144 vs 31). Pillar's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and update cadence (every 2 days vs every 2 weeks). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pillar sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and Monk sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Monk holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 31 and 144 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 58% of Pillar's written reviews are positive against 75% of Monk's.

Pillar ships an update every 2 days, Monk every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pillar | Monk |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.2 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pillar-become-unstoppable/id6740045226/reviews) | **[4.6 (144 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monk-screen-time-control/id6747911820/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 31 | **144** |
| Positive reviews | 57.9% of reviews | **75.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 109 MB | 131 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **17** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Boulevard Legacy LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1788132576) | [Polymath Labs Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1823371110) |

## What reviewers say

### Pillar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pillar-become-unstoppable/id6740045226)

This app helps you achieve your goals, master habits, and live with purpose. It offers tools for personal growth, career success, and a balanced lifestyle, guiding you with customizable trackers, AI planners, and expert routines.

**Highlights:** Customizable habit trackers, AI-driven daily planners, World-class routines from leaders, Progress tracking system, Advanced growth analytics, Expert-designed templates

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $7.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $47.90 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive interface
- 🚀 Effective automation
- 💪 Promotes goal achievement
- 📈 Tracks progress and habits
- 🤖 Provides insights from experts

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription-based model
- 🔒 Difficult to access free content
- 🐛 Onboarding issues
- 🔧 Crashes and bugs

**Reported bugs**

- Subscription screen not loading
- Inability to click 'Continue' buttons

**Requested features**

- Expand time range for scheduling
- Add more free content and features


### Monk

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monk-screen-time-control/id6747911820)

This app helps users regain focus by blocking distracting applications until a chosen meaningful activity is completed and verified. It encourages daily rituals and discipline to combat digital distractions and improve productivity.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps, AI-verified activity completion, Daily focus rituals, Dopamine detox, Focus schedules, Win history and streaks

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monk Pro (Monthly) | $19.99 | per month |
| Monk Pro (Annual) | $48.00 | per year |
| Monk Pro (Annual) | $59.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great app for focus
- 🚀 Boosts productivity
- 💡 Unique and intuitive design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent app blocking functionality

**Reported bugs**

- Apps not being blocked as scheduled
- Glitches in scheduling functionality

**Requested features**

- Improved app blocking reliability
- Customizable scheduling options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pillar free?

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

### Is Monk free?

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

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

Monk is rated higher. Pillar averages 3.2 out of 5 from 31 ratings, while Monk averages 4.6 from 144 ratings.

### Do Pillar or Monk have ads?

Neither Pillar nor Monk shows ads.

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

Pillar ships an update every 2 days, and Monk every 2 weeks. Most recently, Pillar was updated on October 15, 2026 and Monk on October 24, 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.*