Comparison

Locked vs LOCKD

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

LOCKD

This app helps you reduce screen time by temporarily blocking distracting applications. You can select which apps to lock and unlock them when you choose, allowing you to focus on work, study, or simply enjoy offline moments without deleting your applications.

Highlights
  • Select and block distracting apps
  • Temporarily lock apps without deleting
  • Reduce screen time effortlessly
  • Focus on work or study
  • Enjoy phone-free time
  • Full privacy, no tracking
Features
Read full description

We built Lockd because we were spending way too much time on our phones. Scrolling when we didn’t mean to. Checking apps out of habit. Missing the moments right in front of us. We didn’t want to delete everything or go off the grid. We just wanted something that made it easier to disconnect. How Lockd works: - Select the apps that pull you in. - Tap the Lockd Pod to block them. - Enjoy your time without distractions chasing you. Your apps stay locked until you choose to unlock them. Why Lockd? - Reduce your screen time effortlessly - Block what distracts you, not what you need - Physically separate you from attention traps - Reclaim hours of lost time without deleting apps - No tracking. No subscriptions. Full privacy. Use Lockd to: - Focus deeply at work or while studying - Enjoy phone-free evenings or mornings - Sleep better without endless scrolling - Feel present at dinner, with family, or in nature Download LOCKD and take back your time! We take your privacy seriously. Read our full policy here: https://trylockd.com/policies/privacy-policy

Screenshots

Locked4 screens
LOCKD4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Locked at none against LOCKD's 2. Locked also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 67%) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. LOCKD sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Locked asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Locked ships an update every 2 weeks, LOCKD every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on August 3, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Locked versus LOCKD: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLockedLOCKD
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better66.7% of reviews
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationAd-supportedFree — better
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS16.416.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size17 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSocialMate Pty LtdVINBIZ LLC

Customer experience

Locked

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

LOCKD

Written reviews3 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral33.3%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Locked

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

LOCKD

One-time2
  • 1 Unlock$3.99
  • 3 Unlock Attempts$9.99

Questions

Is Locked free?
Locked is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is LOCKD free?
LOCKD is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Locked or LOCKD have ads?
Neither Locked nor LOCKD shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Locked or LOCKD?
Locked ships an update every 2 weeks, and LOCKD every 3 months. Most recently, Locked was updated on August 3, 2026 and LOCKD on September 16, 2026.

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