Comparison

VantaFocus vs TapLock

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

Head to head
About

VantaFocus

Block distracting apps and set focus timers with a simple NFC tap. Track your progress, build streaks, and reclaim your time for work, study, or family.

Highlights
  • NFC tag integration for app blocking
  • Customizable app and notification blocking
  • Focus timer with Pomodoro option
  • Unlimited focus profiles
  • Stats and streak tracking
  • Printable VantaTag support
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

About

TapLock

Read full description

TapLock turns a physical NFC card into the only key that unlocks your apps. Tap your card to lock your iPhone's distracting apps behind a Screen Time shield. To get them back, you have to physically tap the card again. The card has to be in your hand. Without it, the only ways back in are slow by design. HOW IT WORKS Choose which apps to block, then tap "Lock Now" Apps stay blocked until you tap your registered NFC card to the top of your phone Need a break? Pause the session and it picks up right where you left off Allow yourself a few short breaks without the card, if you want them (off by default) Set a timer to auto-unlock after a focus session ends WHAT CARDS WORK Any NFC card you already carry: transit cards, hotel keys, student IDs, office keycards, or cheap NFC stickers. If your iPhone can read it, TapLock can use it. FEATURES NFC card unlock, tap to lock, tap to unlock Timed locks with auto-unlock countdown Pause and resume a session without losing your remaining time Optional card-free breaks, up to 3 per lock, off by default Custom blocking profiles, block specific apps and websites or allow only a selected few Lock Now widget and Control Center button, lock in one tap without opening the app Siri and Shortcuts, start a lock by voice or build automations by time, place or Focus Multiple cards supported, each with its own name Block app deletion while locked so you can't cheat by uninstalling Session stats, see your total focus time and how long your last session ran Live Activity and Dynamic Island timer visible from your lock screen Your cards and settings sync across your devices via iCloud Remote Key, unlock a family iPad or second iPhone by tapping your card on your own iPhone Native iPad app with a landscape layout REMOTE KEY AND IPAD Lock a family iPad or a second iPhone, then open it by tapping your card on your own iPhone. Both devices just need the same Apple ID. iPads have no NFC reader, so they pair as a kept device and are always opened from your iPhone. EMERGENCY ACCESS Lost your card? A 6-digit PIN still unlocks, but slowly: every PIN unlock ends with a short puzzle, and with a card registered the PIN works 5 times per 30 days on each device. After that, a 24-hour emergency unlock is always offered, so you are never locked out for good. On an iPhone with no card registered yet, the PIN is not limited. TapLock does not replace your iPhone's lock screen. It uses Apple's Screen Time framework to shield apps while your phone stays accessible for calls and emergencies. Free 7-day trial. One-time purchase. No subscription, ever. Terms of Use: https://www.aimakecoolstuff.com/legal/taplock/terms Privacy Policy: https://www.aimakecoolstuff.com/legal/taplock/privacy

Screenshots

VantaFocus4 screens
TapLock4 screens

Verdict

The call

VantaFocus and TapLock are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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. VantaFocus sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and TapLock sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VantaFocus ships an update monthly, TapLock fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 28, 2026.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
VantaFocus versus TapLock: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVantaFocusTapLock
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.217.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB13 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTim HaerleSze Yuen HO

In-app purchases

4 purchases

VantaFocus

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

TapLock

One-time2
  • TapLock Free TrialFree
  • TapLock Lifetime$4.99

Questions

Is VantaFocus free?
VantaFocus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is TapLock free?
TapLock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do VantaFocus or TapLock have ads?
Neither VantaFocus nor TapLock shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VantaFocus or TapLock?
VantaFocus ships an update monthly, and TapLock fortnightly. Most recently, VantaFocus was updated on October 28, 2026 and TapLock on October 28, 2026.

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