# SmartBlock vs Brainlock

The clearest difference is rating: SmartBlock at 5.0 against Brainlock's 4.6. Brainlock's advantage is ratings volume (5 vs 1) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SmartBlock sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Brainlock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SmartBlock holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Brainlock has 5 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

SmartBlock ships an update every 3 weeks, Brainlock every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SmartBlock | Brainlock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartblock-focus-with-puzzles/id6742196917/reviews)** | [4.6 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainlock-quit-scrolling/id6759520546/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **5** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Freemium |
| Size | 32 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Adam Park](https://appshunter.io/developer/1797344350) | [PLBTK Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1869924105) |

## What reviewers say

### SmartBlock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartblock-focus-with-puzzles/id6742196917)

This app transforms phone distractions into brain-training exercises. Block apps to reduce screen time and solve engaging puzzles to regain access, sharpening your mind while promoting focus and productivity.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps and websites, Solve puzzles to unlock app access, Customizable puzzle difficulty and app limits, Schedule app blocks by day and time, Boost productivity and focus, Reduce stress and improve mindfulness

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly subscription | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Annual Subscription + 1 Week Trial | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Subscription | $19.99 | per year |
| Annual Subscription | $29.99 | per year |
| Annual Subscription + 1 Week Trial | $29.99 | per year |
| 10k+ Puzzles Purchase | $59.99 | one-time |


### Brainlock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainlock-quit-scrolling/id6759520546)

This app locks distracting applications until you pass a brain-training test. Choose your difficulty to earn screen time and improve your memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. Track your progress and aim for higher ranks without relying on willpower.

**Highlights:** App locking with brain tests, Multiple difficulty levels, 18 brain games, Brainpower Score tracking, Progress stats, Daily streaks

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Brainlock Pro Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Brainlock Pro Yearly | $24.99 | per year |
| BrainLock Pro Yearly | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SmartBlock free?

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

### Is Brainlock free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SmartBlock or Brainlock?

SmartBlock is rated higher. SmartBlock averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Brainlock averages 4.6 from 5 ratings.

### Do SmartBlock or Brainlock have ads?

Neither SmartBlock nor Brainlock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SmartBlock or Brainlock?

SmartBlock ships an update every 3 weeks, and Brainlock every 2 weeks. Most recently, SmartBlock was updated on September 19, 2026 and Brainlock on September 11, 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.*