Comparison

apptoken vs TapLock

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

Head to head
About

apptoken

Read full description

Apptoken helps you create real friction before opening distracting apps. Instead of relying on willpower, Apptoken lets you create blocking profiles, choose the apps and websites you want to restrict, and start focused sessions using Apple's Screen Time controls. When you need access again, unlock using the method that fits your setup: NFC token, QR code, timer, schedule, widget, or manual control. Apptoken is free. There are no subscriptions, no in-app purchases, no paywall, and no account required. HOW IT WORKS 1. Create a blocking profile 2. Select distracting apps and websites 3. Grant Screen Time permission 4. Start a blocking session 5. Unlock only when you choose to BUILT FOR PRACTICAL FOCUS Apptoken is designed for people who want a stronger boundary than a reminder, but still need controlled access when life happens. Use it to: - Reduce mindless scrolling - Protect work and study blocks - Build better phone habits - Keep social apps out of easy reach - Add physical friction with an NFC token - Use a QR code as a simple unlock method - Schedule recurring focus time - Control active sessions from widgets UNLOCK OPTIONS NFC unlock Pair blocking with a physical NFC tag or token so access requires a deliberate tap. QR unlock Use a QR code as a lightweight unlock method when you want separation without extra setup. Timers Start timed sessions and return to your selected restrictions when the session ends. Schedules Create recurring blocks for work, school, mornings, evenings, or any routine you want to protect. Widgets and Live Activities Control active sessions and keep track of focus time from the places you already use on iPhone. PRIVACY-FIRST BY DEFAULT Apptoken does not require an account. Your profiles, selected restrictions, NFC and QR identifiers, schedules, timers, and session history are stored locally on your device or in the app group container used by the app and its extensions. The app does not use third-party app analytics, advertising SDKs, behavioral tracking, subscriptions, or in-app purchases. REQUIREMENTS Apptoken uses Apple's Screen Time, Family Controls, Managed Settings, Device Activity, NFC, Camera, WidgetKit, Live Activities, and Background Tasks frameworks to provide blocking and unlock features. You can revoke app permissions at any time in iOS Settings. Apptoken is developed by Fokusbloks Oy. Support: benjam@fokusbloks.com Website: apptoken.co

About

TapLock

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TapLock turns a physical NFC card into the only key that unlocks your apps. Tap your card to lock your iPhone's distracting apps behind a Screen Time shield. To get them back, you have to physically tap the card again. The card has to be in your hand. There are no shortcuts. HOW IT WORKS Choose which apps to block, then tap "Lock Now" Apps stay blocked until you tap your registered NFC card to the top of your phone Need a break? Pause the session and it picks up right where you left off Set a timer to auto-unlock after a focus session ends WHAT CARDS WORK Any NFC card you already carry: transit cards, hotel keys, student IDs, office keycards, or cheap NFC stickers. If your iPhone can read it, TapLock can use it. FEATURES NFC card unlock, tap to lock, tap to unlock Timed locks with auto-unlock countdown Pause and resume a session without losing your remaining time Custom blocking profiles, block specific apps or allow only a selected few Multiple cards supported, each with its own name Block app deletion while locked so you can't cheat by uninstalling Session stats, see your total focus time and how long your last session ran Live Activity and Dynamic Island timer visible from your lock screen Your cards and settings sync across your devices via iCloud Remote Key, unlock a family iPad or second iPhone by tapping your card on your own iPhone Native iPad app with a landscape layout REMOTE KEY AND IPAD Lock a family iPad or a second iPhone, then open it by tapping your card on your own iPhone. Both devices just need the same Apple ID. iPads have no NFC reader, so they pair as a kept device and are always opened from your iPhone. EMERGENCY ACCESS A 6-digit PIN is available if you lose your card. It works, but it is deliberately slow, so you will want to keep your card nearby. TapLock does not replace your iPhone's lock screen. It uses Apple's Screen Time framework to shield apps while your phone stays accessible for calls and emergencies. Free 7-day trial. One-time purchase. No subscription, ever. Terms of Use: https://www.aimakecoolstuff.com/legal/taplock/terms Privacy Policy: https://www.aimakecoolstuff.com/legal/taplock/privacy

Screenshots

apptoken2 screens
TapLock4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: TapLock at every 4 days against apptoken's every 3 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. apptoken sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and TapLock sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

apptoken ships an update every 3 weeks, TapLock every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and August 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference ยท 5 level
apptoken versus TapLock: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterapptokenTapLock
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 4 days โ€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad โ€” better
Requires iOS17.617.0 โ€” better
Further details โ€” not scored
Size9 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFokusbloks OySze Yuen HO

In-app purchases

1 purchases

apptoken

One-time1
  • QR Unlock License$8.99
2 purchases

TapLock

One-time2
  • TapLock Free TrialFree
  • TapLock Lifetime$4.99

Questions

Is apptoken free?
apptoken is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is TapLock free?
TapLock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do apptoken or TapLock have ads?
Neither apptoken nor TapLock shows ads.
Which is updated more often, apptoken or TapLock?
apptoken ships an update every 3 weeks, and TapLock every 4 days. Most recently, apptoken was updated on September 14, 2026 and TapLock on August 29, 2026.

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