Comparison

App Block, Time limits vs Cio

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

Head to head
About

App Block, Time limits

This app helps you regain control of your digital life by blocking distractions and building healthier screen habits. It offers scheduled app blocking, daily time limits, and focus sessions to improve productivity and mindfulness.

Highlights
  • Scheduled app and website blocking
  • Daily time limits for app usage
  • Hard difficulty blocking with no skipping
  • Focus sessions with custom app whitelists
  • Screen time and notification tracking
  • Analysis of productive vs. distractive screen time
Features
Read full description

Flow – Take Control of Your Time Flow helps you block distractions, build better screen habits, and focus on what really matters. Whether that means finishing your work, being more present, or cutting down on endless scrolling, Flow gives you the tools to take back control. Block distractions when it counts – Scheduled blocks: Set times when specific apps and websites are automatically blocked. – Time limits: Choose how long you can use an app or website per day before it's locked. – Hard difficulty: No skipping, no turning it off—once active, the block stays in place. – Focus sessions: Block everything except the apps and websites you choose, for a fixed amount of time like 30 minutes or 1 hour. Understand your screen habits – Track your total screen time, pickups, and notifications. – See how much productive and distractive screen time you have. – Learn where your time really goes and start making changes that last. Built for real change it's a powerful, intentional tool for people who want to be more focused, more mindful, and more in control of their digital lives. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION* A Flow subscription is required to use and enjoy full access to features and content. Terms of use: https://github.com/alcaeusdevelopment/Fokus-Policies/blob/main/Terms-Of-Service.md

About

Cio

Features
Read full description

Cio helps you organize your life with clarity. Combining a smart task manager, a habit tracker, and a dedicated notes space, Cio keeps you focused on your goals without the clutter. KEY FEATURES: • Focus Dashboard: See your "Today" and "Tomorrow" at a glance. • Smart Tasks: Create to-dos with priorities, deadlines, and reminders. • Habit Tracker: Build lasting habits and track your daily streaks. • Power Notes: Capture ideas quickly. Support for bullet points and rich details. • Calendar View: Visualize your schedule effortlessly. • iCloud Sync: Your data syncs automatically across your devices using your personal iCloud account. • Privacy First: We don't see your data. Everything is stored locally on your device and in your private CloudKit container. PREMIUM FEATURES: Cio is free to start (limited to 10 items). Upgrade to Cio Premium to unlock: • Unlimited Tasks & Notes • Unlimited Habits • Custom App Themes & Colors • Detailed Statistics Manage your subscription in your device settings. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.notion.so/Cio-Privacy-Policy-2c2f568e99bc80e6bb73dc22424ac4a0?source=copy_link

Screenshots

App Block, Time limits4 screens
Cio4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Cio at none against App Block, Time limits's shown. Cio also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 8 days). On price, in-app purchases, 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. App Block, Time limits sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Cio sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

App Block, Time limits ships an update every 8 days, Cio daily. The most recent releases landed on August 25, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
App Block, Time limits versus Cio: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterApp Block, Time limitsCio
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 8 daysDaily — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.4 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size119 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAlcaeus Development ABADRIAN DANIEL CIOC

In-app purchases

5 purchases

App Block, Time limits

Subscriptions5
  • Fokus Pro - Weekly7 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Flow Pro - Monthly$5.991 Month
  • Flow Pro - Yearly7 Days trial$29.991 Year
Show 2 more
  • Flow Pro - Yearly7 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Fokus Pro - App Blocker7 Days trial$59.991 Year
2 purchases

Cio

Subscriptions2
  • Cio Pro Monthly$2.991 Month
  • Cio Pro Yearly3 Days trial$19.991 Year

Questions

Is App Block, Time limits free?
App Block, Time limits is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Cio free?
Cio is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do App Block, Time limits or Cio have ads?
App Block, Time limits shows ads; Cio does not.
Which is updated more often, App Block, Time limits or Cio?
App Block, Time limits ships an update every 8 days, and Cio daily. Most recently, App Block, Time limits was updated on August 25, 2026 and Cio on September 16, 2026.

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