Comparison

Dumb Phone Mode | Unplugger vs Hardcore Focus

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

Head to head
About

Dumb Phone Mode | Unplugger

Instantly block distracting apps with a single gesture to reduce screen time and increase focus. Transform your smartphone into a basic device for a break, allowing you to be more present and mindful. Customize which apps to block for personalized digital detoxes.

Highlights
  • One-tap app blocking
  • Customizable distraction lists
  • Screen-free time tracking
  • Scheduled unplug sessions
  • Minimalist phone mode
  • Focus and mindfulness tool
Read full description

Unplug from your smartphone to reconnect with life! Block apps instantly with just one tap. Unplugger gives you a one-gesture way to minimize distractions and transform your phone into a basic “dumb phone” whenever you need a break. ▶ Why Unplugger? Over 60% of people feel they have a screen time problem. Taking a step away from the screen can work wonders for your focus, mental health, and relationships. Unplugger makes that step simple and instant. Instead of fiddling with settings or exercising iron willpower, just perform one quick gesture to disconnect from distracting apps and be more present. ▶ One-Tap “Dumb Phone” Mode Activate Unplugger’s signature mode with just one tap or gesture. Instantly block apps—no complicated settings or hassle. It’s like turning on a minimalist mode for your phone without giving up your smartphone. Simply pick the apps you want to block and swipe. It’s that easy.. ▶ Reduce Screen Time Effortlessly Unplugger helps break the habit of constant checking. Whether you want to focus on work, study without social media pings, or just relax, Unplugger gives you an easy way to set boundaries with your phone. No more endless scrolling – when you’re unplugged, you’re free to engage with the world around you. ▶ Choose apps you want to block We know everyone’s needs are different. Unplugger lets you choose which apps are considered distractions – you can keep anything truly important accessible. Need music while you unwind? Want Maps while on an unplugged walk? You decide the level of disconnect that’s right for you. Set quick unplug sessions (e.g. 15 minutes of deep focus) or longer detox periods (a whole evening free from Twitter and Instagram). You’re in control. ▶ Stay Motivated, Stay Mindful Unplugger isn’t about restricting you – it’s about empowering you to be mindful. Each time you use Unplugger, you’re building a healthier relationship with your phone. Track the time you’ve reclaimed and see how often you unplug. It’s not all-or-nothing; even a few minutes unplugged each day can make a difference. ▶ SCREEN TIME Tracker Instead of tracking how much time you spend on your phone, we flip the script. Unplugger tracks the time you don’t use your phone—your focused, screen-free hours. It's more positive. ▶ Ready to Unplug? Take the first step toward a healthier tech-life balance. With Unplugger, a more mindful, present, and productive life is just one tap away. Whether you crave a distraction-free morning routine, an evening off social media, or a full-day digital detox, Unplugger is the companion that makes it easy and enjoyable. Download Unplugger today, block apps and start enjoying life with less screen and more you. Make your smartphone smarter – by sometimes making it a little “dumber”! Terms of Use: https://www.appblock.app/terms-and-conditions-unplugger Apple Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://appblock.app/privacy-policy-unplugger/

About

Hardcore Focus

This app encourages focused work by having users commit to a single, meaningful task for a two-hour period. It blocks distractions and tracks your focus sessions, helping you accomplish real work instead of just managing tasks.

Highlights
  • Single daily task focus
  • 2-hour deep work timer
  • Distracting app blocking
  • Distraction tracking
  • Progress logging
  • Streaks and achievements
  • Widgets and Live Activities
Features
Read full description

Hardcore Focus blocks distracting apps with Screen Time, then runs a focus session toward a daily goal. Habits next to it. No account. No VPN. Three things: Focus, Habits, and Shield. No to-do list. No calendar. SHIELD — BLOCK THE NOISE Block the apps that steal your day with Apple’s native Screen Time API. On a schedule, during a focus session, or always on. You choose how hard it is to get back in: • No Bypass — locked is locked • 15-Minute Bypass — one short, deliberate exception FOCUS — DO DEEP WORK One button. Tap it and work until you’re done — no countdown, no 25-minute cycle. Keep the screen awake. Optional Apple Music focus playlist. Watch your daily focus goal fill up on the ring. Pause when life happens. Live Activity and Dynamic Island keep the timer visible. HABITS — FILL THE TIME YOU GET BACK Stack habits into routines by time of day. Check them off, count reps, or run a timed habit. Workouts, walks, and mindful minutes can auto-complete from Apple Health. Keep the streak on the habits that matter. ALSO • Apple Watch — start sessions and complete habits from your wrist • Siri & Shortcuts • Widgets, Live Activities & Dynamic Island • On-device insights into your focus patterns (on your phone) • Apple Music focus playlists inside the session • iCloud sync across iPhone, iPad & Apple Watch — no Hardcore Focus account PRIVATE BY DESIGN Zero data collection. Anything you sync stays in your own iCloud. WHO IT’S FOR People who already know which apps steal the day and keep opening them anyway. Block, focus, show up for the habits. WHO IT’S NOT FOR SUBSCRIPTION Hardcore Focus requires a subscription. Annual includes a 7-day free trial. Then Weekly ($3.99), Monthly ($8.99), or Annual ($49.99). Payment is charged to your Apple Account. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the period ends. Manage or cancel anytime in Settings → Subscriptions. Terms: https://www.hardcorefocus.com/terms Privacy: https://www.hardcorefocus.com/privacy Support: https://www.hardcorefocus.com

Screenshots

Dumb Phone Mode | Unplugger4 screens
Hardcore Focus1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is device support: Hardcore Focus at 3 against Dumb Phone Mode | Unplugger's 1. Dumb Phone Mode | Unplugger's advantage is iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads 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. Dumb Phone Mode | Unplugger sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $19.99 per year and Hardcore Focus sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Dumb Phone Mode | Unplugger ships an update every 3 weeks, Hardcore Focus monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Dumb Phone Mode | Unplugger versus Hardcore Focus: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDumb Phone Mode | UnpluggerHardcore Focus
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (12 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—12 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFreemium
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS17.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB20 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMobileSoft s.r.o.Eric Kuhn

Customer experience

Dumb Phone Mode | Unplugger

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Hardcore Focus

All ratings12 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Dumb Phone Mode | Unplugger

Subscriptions1
  • Unplugger Premium7 Days trial$19.991 Year
3 purchases

Hardcore Focus

Subscriptions3
  • Hardcore Focus Weekly$3.997 Days
  • Hardcore Focus Pro Monthly$8.991 Month
  • Hardcore Focus Pro Annual7 Days trial$49.991 Year

Questions

Is Dumb Phone Mode | Unplugger free?
Dumb Phone Mode | Unplugger is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Hardcore Focus free?
Hardcore Focus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Dumb Phone Mode | Unplugger or Hardcore Focus have ads?
Neither Dumb Phone Mode | Unplugger nor Hardcore Focus shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Dumb Phone Mode | Unplugger or Hardcore Focus?
Dumb Phone Mode | Unplugger ships an update every 3 weeks, and Hardcore Focus monthly. Most recently, Dumb Phone Mode | Unplugger was updated on October 14, 2026 and Hardcore Focus on October 26, 2026.

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