ChessLock vs ChessUnlock
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.
ChessUnlock
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ChessUnlock helps you reduce screen time, improve focus, and build a better chess habit by turning distracting apps into chess puzzles. Choose the apps that pull your attention, such as Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, Discord, or other distracting apps. When you want to unlock them, ChessUnlock gives you a chess puzzle first. Solve the puzzle, choose your break time, and continue with more control. ChessUnlock is designed for people who want to stop automatic scrolling, reduce social media distractions, improve discipline, and practice chess in a simple way. Features: • Lock distracting apps • Unlock apps by solving chess puzzles • Choose your unlock/break time • Practice chess tactics while reducing distractions • Build focus and self-control • Simple setup and clean design • Useful for studying, working, and avoiding mindless scrolling ChessUnlock is not just another app blocker. Instead of only stopping you, it gives you a small chess challenge before your break. This helps you pause, think, and make a more intentional choice. Use ChessUnlock to stay focused, reduce screen time, and improve your chess one puzzle at a time.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ChessUnlock at none against ChessLock's 6. ChessUnlock also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On price, ads 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
Both are free to download. ChessLock sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. ChessUnlock asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | ChessLock | ChessUnlock |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (4 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 4 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 15.6 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 50 MB | 30 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Patricio Guzman | Sawan Ishpujani |
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
ChessUnlock
No in-app purchases









