# PauseBox vs Basic Mode

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PauseBox at none against Basic Mode's 3. PauseBox also leads on ratings volume (29 vs 1) and iOS requirement (16.4 vs 26.0). Basic Mode's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 82%) and update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Basic Mode sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. PauseBox asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for PauseBox against 5.0 for Basic Mode. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PauseBox has 29 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 82% of PauseBox's written reviews are positive against 100% of Basic Mode's.

PauseBox ships an update every 3 months, Basic Mode monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PauseBox | Basic Mode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (29 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pausebox/id6745524690/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/basic-mode-dumb-phone-detox/id6778641529/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **29** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 82.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 90 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Britt Espinosa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1812701009) | [PROBABILITY LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1482354660) |

## What reviewers say

### PauseBox

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pausebox/id6745524690)

This app helps you block digital distractions by creating a physical barrier. Select apps to block, create custom groups with schedules, and then tap your phone on a physical device to initiate a focus session. It encourages intentional separation to break habit loops.

**Highlights:** Select apps to block, Create custom Pause Groups, Schedule focus sessions, Use physical device for blocking, Remote blocking option, Intentional separation from phone

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Basic Mode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/basic-mode-dumb-phone-detox/id6778641529)

Transform your phone into a focused device on a schedule. Block distracting apps, categories, and websites while keeping essential functions accessible. Create custom modes for work, sleep, or family time, with an emergency unlock option.

**Highlights:** Customizable focus modes, Block apps, categories, and websites, Scheduled blocking sessions, Emergency app unlock, Essential app access, Privacy-focused design

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Basic Mode Weekly Lite | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Basic Mode Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Basic Mode Weekly Plus | $7.99 | per 7 days |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PauseBox free?

PauseBox is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Basic Mode free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PauseBox or Basic Mode?

Basic Mode is rated higher. PauseBox averages 4.9 out of 5 from 29 ratings, while Basic Mode averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do PauseBox or Basic Mode have ads?

Neither PauseBox nor Basic Mode shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PauseBox or Basic Mode?

PauseBox ships an update every 3 months, and Basic Mode monthly. Most recently, PauseBox was updated on October 16, 2026 and Basic Mode on October 15, 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.*