# ChessLock vs ZugZwang

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ChessLock at 67% against ZugZwang's 40%. ChessLock also leads on device support (3 vs 1). ZugZwang's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs fortnightly). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ChessLock sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and ZugZwang sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ChessLock ships an update fortnightly, ZugZwang weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ChessLock | ZugZwang |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chesslock-screen-time-control/id6744930081/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **4** | — |
| Positive reviews | **66.7% of reviews** | 40.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Freemium |
| Size | 50 MB | 49 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Patricio Guzman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1707843725) | [DaDaMa Ug (haftungsbeschränkt)](https://appshunter.io/developer/1852993941) |

## What reviewers say

### ChessLock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chesslock-screen-time-control/id6744930081)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Chesslock Pro | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Chesslock Pro | $4.99 | per month |
| Chesslock Pro | $29.99 | per year |
| Chesslock Pro | $17.49 | one-time |
| Chesslock Pro | $34.99 | one-time |


### ZugZwang

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zugzwang-chess-screen-time/id6808323304)

This app blocks distracting applications and websites, requiring users to solve a chess puzzle to gain temporary access. It offers a personalized rating system and strict mode for enhanced focus. Your progress is saved to your account and syncs across devices.

**Highlights:** Block apps, categories, and websites, Solve chess puzzles for access, Personalized Elo puzzle rating, Strict mode for enhanced focus, Cross-device progress syncing, No ads

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ChessLock free?

ChessLock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is ZugZwang free?

ZugZwang is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do ChessLock or ZugZwang have ads?

Neither ChessLock nor ZugZwang shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ChessLock or ZugZwang?

ChessLock ships an update fortnightly, and ZugZwang weekly. Most recently, ChessLock was updated on October 25, 2026 and ZugZwang on October 29, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*