ChessLock vs Nufocus
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
Nufocus
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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
Verdict
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
Both are free to download. ChessLock sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Nufocus asks for nothing beyond the download.
ChessLock ships an update fortnightly, Nufocus every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | ChessLock | Nufocus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (4 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 4 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Every 10 days — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 16.6 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 50 MB | 41 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Patricio Guzman | Lateef Shaik |
In-app purchases
ChessLock
- Chesslock Pro2 variants$2.991 Month
- Chesslock Pro$19.991 Year
- Chesslock Pro$29.991 Year
- Chesslock Pro$17.49
- Chesslock Pro$34.99
Nufocus
No in-app purchases









