Comparison

Locked vs App Blocker

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Locked

This app uses a physical NFC tag to create friction and help you break phone addiction. Set app limits and lock them until you scan the tag, encouraging focus and reducing distractions.

Highlights
  • NFC-powered physical tag app blocker
  • Deep Focus Mode with no override
  • Customizable app blocking
  • Works with Apple Screen Time API
  • Minimal interface for easy setup
  • No data collection or cloud sync
Read full description

Locked is the most effective screen time control app that pairs with a physical NFC tag to help you reduce screen time, stay focused, and stop phone addiction. We all know how it goes: you sit down to work or study, and before you know it, you’re lost in a scroll loop - Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, games, notifications, distractions. Even with screen time apps (like those expensive apps, Opal, cough), it’s easy to override the limit. Your brain knows there’s no real consequence. That’s why Locked is different. Why Locked Works: According to behavioral science, friction changes behavior. Most screen time apps are low-friction - you can override limits with a tap. But with Locked, you set app limits and then lock them with a physical NFC tag. When the tag is out of reach, so are your distractions. You can’t override it unless you scan the tag. This break in the autopilot gives your rational brain a chance to intervene and choose focus. How It Works: Choose which apps to block inside the Locked app Scan your phone to the Locked Tag Your selected apps are now locked. Leave the tag at home, in a drawer, or far away Apps stay blocked until you scan the tag again to unlock them No passwords, no sneaky bypass. Just a real-world app blocker your brain respects. Benefits: Save 1–4 hours per day from less screen time Improve focus and productivity at work or school Stop phone addiction and doomscrolling habits Be more present with friends, family, and yourself Support your mental health by reducing digital overwhelm Create intentional tech boundaries that stick Build better habits with a tool that holds you accountable Reduce stress and anxiety caused by overuse Helps with ADHD and ADD Gain back control, without deleting apps or your whole phone Features: NFC NFC-powered tag that physically locks your phone’s distracting apps Works with Apple Screen Time (no shady VPNs or tracking) Deep Focus Mode: no override without the tag Custom app blocking: choose what’s locked vs what stays usable (e.g., music, maps, messages) Simple, minimal interface designed for quick setup and long-term success No data collection, no cloud sync. Your usage stays private and secure What People Are Saying: “I’ve tried everything - Focus Mode, Opal, Screen Time — but nothing worked until Locked. The physical tag makes all the difference.” “It’s like turning your phone into a brick when you need to focus.” “I didn’t realize how often I opened apps out of habit until I used Locked. Game changer for productivity and mental clarity.” Privacy & Terms: We care about your privacy. Locked does not track your app usage or personal data. All blocking is handled locally using Apple’s Screen Time API. Privacy Policy: https://nowlocked.com/policies/privacy-policy Terms of Service: https://nowlocked.com/policies/terms-of-service

About

App Blocker

Features
Read full description

Bring your own NFC tag. No pricey puck required. VantaFocus blocks distracting apps the moment you tap a 10-cent sticker—or just press Start. Build streaks, see time saved and stay present wherever you work. Why VantaFocus beats ordinary timers Works with any NFC sticker, card or key-fob – no proprietary hardware. You can even print your own VantaTag. One-tap “Focus Session” or classic Pomodoro timer. Automatic app & notification blocking (custom lists). Unlimited focus profiles – Work, Study, Family, Gym… you decide. Stats & streaks: screen-time cut, sessions logged, longest run. Pay once, own it forever or flexible subscription options. How it works Assign an NFC tag in the app (takes 5 s). Tap to start – distracting apps lock, focus timer starts. Tap again or finish timer – phone unlocks, stats update. Whether you’re deep-coding, revising for exams or sharing dinner with family, VantaFocus helps you reclaim every minute. Terms of use can be found here: https://vantafocus.com/eula

Screenshots

Locked4 screens
App Blocker4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Locked at none against App Blocker's 4. Locked also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly) and iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18.2). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. App Blocker sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Locked asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Locked ships an update every 2 weeks, App Blocker monthly. The most recent releases landed on August 3, 2026 and September 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Locked versus App Blocker: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLockedApp Blocker
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationAd-supported—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS16.4 — better18.2
Further details — not scored
Size17 MB20 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSocialMate Pty LtdTim Haerle

In-app purchases

None

Locked

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

App Blocker

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly$3.991 Month
  • Yearly$24.991 Year
One-time2
  • Lifetime Launch Offer$24.99
  • Lifetime$44.99

Questions

Is Locked free?
Locked is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is App Blocker free?
App Blocker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Locked or App Blocker have ads?
Neither Locked nor App Blocker shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Locked or App Blocker?
Locked ships an update every 2 weeks, and App Blocker monthly. Most recently, Locked was updated on August 3, 2026 and App Blocker on September 11, 2026.

Other comparisons