Comparison

ChessLock vs Nufocus

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

Head to head
About

ChessLock

This app helps you control screen time by blocking distracting applications. To take a break, you must solve chess puzzles, sharpening your mind and earning your pause. It's designed for anyone seeking enhanced focus and productivity with a unique, brain-boosting approach.

Highlights
  • Block distracting apps
  • Solve chess puzzles for breaks
  • Customizable focus sessions
  • Brain-training puzzles
  • Private by design, no data collection
  • Pro version for advanced features
Features
Read full description

Take control of your screen time like never before—with your brain as the key! Screen Time Control: ChessLock is a powerful focus tool that blocks distracting apps… and makes you earn your breaks by solving chess puzzles. Designed for those who want real productivity with a fun twist, ChessLock combines proven focus techniques with the timeless game of chess to help you stay in control. - How it works: Create a Focus Session Select the apps you want to block. Once it starts, you're locked in—no cheating allowed! Pause With Purpose Want a break? Solve a chess puzzle to unlock it. No puzzle, no pause. Train Your Brain Each puzzle challenge helps keep your mind sharp and focused. - Unlock More with ChessLock Pro Unlimited focus sessions Choose your puzzle difficulty Smarter, stronger app blocking Earn meaningful breaks More brain-boosting control - Why Chess? Chess is the perfect game to sharpen concentration, improve problem-solving, and help reset your brain during focused work. It’s not just screen time management — it’s brain time empowerment. - Private by Design No accounts, no personal data collection, no creepy tracking. Your preferences are stored locally, and analytics are completely anonymous. You stay in control. - Built for Everyone Whether you’re a student, freelancer, parent, or pro, ChessLock gives you a mindful, brain-powered way to manage your screen time. Download Screen Time Control: ChessLock and make every pause a power move.

About

Nufocus

Read full description

Nufocus helps you focus with less friction and stronger accountability. What you can do: - Start focus sessions that block distracting apps using Apple Screen Time controls - Build custom schedules so focus starts automatically when you need it - Use break controls that keep sessions intentional - Track progress with focus time and streaks - Add friends, send requests, and compare focus time on leaderboards - Use a Nufocus keycard for session control, including ending sessions - Use Child Mode and Strict Mode controls for stronger lock-in Built for real life: - Works with Nufocus keycard controlled sessions and scheduled sessions - Lets users choose notification categories across local and push alerts: session reminders, schedule alerts, streak warnings, friend activity, and optional product news - Works offline Privacy and control: - You can delete your account from inside the app. - Marketing notifications are optional and off by default. - Critical account, security, or service-stability notices may still be sent when needed. - Privacy Policy and Terms are available in Settings. - App-blocking selections stay on-device; account and progress data sync to your Nufocus account. - Privacy first. Your screen time data stays securely on your device - never shared, never stored elsewhere. Visit our website to learn more: nufocus.in

Screenshots

ChessLock4 screens
Nufocus4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Nufocus at none against ChessLock's 6. ChessLock's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence 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. ChessLock sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Nufocus asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ChessLock ships an update fortnightly, Nufocus every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
ChessLock versus Nufocus: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterChessLockNufocus
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightlyEvery 10 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.016.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size50 MB41 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPatricio GuzmanLateef Shaik

In-app purchases

5 purchases

ChessLock

Subscriptions3
  • Chesslock Pro2 variants$2.991 Month
  • Chesslock Pro$19.991 Year
  • Chesslock Pro$29.991 Year
One-time2
  • Chesslock Pro$17.49
  • Chesslock Pro$34.99
None

Nufocus

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ChessLock free?
ChessLock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Nufocus free?
Nufocus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do ChessLock or Nufocus have ads?
Nufocus shows ads; ChessLock does not.
Which is updated more often, ChessLock or Nufocus?
ChessLock ships an update fortnightly, and Nufocus every 10 days. Most recently, ChessLock was updated on October 12, 2026 and Nufocus on October 1, 2026.

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