Comparison

Locked vs TapLock card

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

TapLock card

Read full description

TapLock helps you put a real step between you and the apps or websites you want to stop checking. Choose the apps, categories, or websites that pull you in. Pair an NFC card. When TapLock is locked, your chosen distractions stay blocked until you scan that card again. What you can do: • Block selected apps, app categories, and websites with Screen Time • Pair a physical NFC card to lock and unlock your list • See weekly Screen Time stats inside the app • Track locks, protected time, and your daily streak • Keep your setup local on your device, with no account required TapLock is built for people who want less scrolling and fewer impulse opens, without making their phone harder to use for everything else.

Screenshots

Locked4 screens
TapLock card4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Locked at 16.4 against TapLock card's 26.5. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Locked versus TapLock card: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLockedTapLock card
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationAd-supported—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS16.4 — better26.5
Further details — not scored
Size17 MB2 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperSocialMate Pty LtdASHISH K JAIN

In-app purchases

None

Locked

No in-app purchases

None

TapLock card

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Locked free?
Locked is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is TapLock card free?
TapLock card is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Locked or TapLock card have ads?
Neither Locked nor TapLock card shows ads.

Other comparisons