Comparison

Block in Time vs BlockLab

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

Head to head
About

Block in Time

This app helps you manage your phone usage by allowing you to set specific times for app access. Once your allotted time is up, apps are automatically blocked, preventing prolonged distraction. It's designed to work with your natural focus patterns, not against them.

Highlights
  • Set distraction time limits
  • Automatically block apps
  • Simple 3-tap setup
  • No complicated schedules
  • Works with Screen Time restrictions
Read full description

On your phone too much? Me too. With this app, you can set an amount of distraction time on your iPhone. When that time is up, your apps are automatically blocked. It stops the "five more minutes" game, which is especially hard for those of us with ADHD. Great for limiting iPhone time during breaks, too - so you don't look up and realize you were sucked into the void for 4 hours, which is easy for people with ADHD to do. It's shocking to others, but it's true. Time-blindness gets people with ADHD in a lot of trouble with their parents and bosses. This app works WITH your ADHD brain, not against it. Enjoy your apps first, focus afterward. Simple as that. How It Works: • Choose which apps to block • Pick how long to use them (15, 30, or 45 minutes) OR block now • Pick how long to block them (30 minutes to 2 hours) • Tap Start – that’s it! Why This Works for ADHD Brains: • Stops the internal debate – No more “Should I risk opening that app?" "Will I be able to stop?" • Realistic approach – Let’s be honest, we're not quitting social media or games forever. • Simple setup – No complicated schedules to manage or forget. • Made by someone who lives it – I even had to make a blocker app for my Mac coding app because hyperfocusing on coding is fun (but interferes with work, oops). • Users say it works for neurotypical brains, too! Most blocking apps want you to set up complicated schedules. I've forgotten to turn them off for the holidays. Also, planning too far ahead doesn't work either. You might be in hyperfocus mode and need a break at a different time than what you scheduled days before. Those apps didn't work with my ADHD brain. I needed something realistic that I could manage now. So I created this app! Features: • Simple 3-tap setup • No complicated schedules • Free with no ads • Works with Screen Time restrictions Coming Soon (If anyone actually downloads this app): • Custom time buttons – Set your own minutes Finally, an app blocker BY someone with ADHD, FOR ADHD (and other) brains. Special Thanks: Huge thanks to Nick des Groseilliers (aka "Madeleine's Nice") for the awesome app icon! PS: I’m relying on users without ADHD to rate this app... ADHD = “Hey, I like this app, I should give it 5 stars!” – said every single time they launch Block in Time! Sorry if this is disjointed... it is due to the difficulty of organizing thoughts on paper.

About

BlockLab

This app helps you regain focus by blocking distracting applications during designated work or study periods. It utilizes system-level protections to ensure uninterrupted concentration, offering customizable profiles and scheduled blocking for consistent productivity.

Highlights
  • System-level app blocking
  • Customizable Focus Profiles
  • Scheduled blocking
  • Manual focus sessions
  • Grace period before blocking
  • No subscriptions or ads
Features
Read full description

Your phone is designed to distract you. BlockLab is designed to stop it. BlockLab uses Apple's Screen Time framework to block distracting apps during focus sessions and scheduled blocks — the same system-level protection built into iOS, with a cleaner, more intentional interface built around how you actually work. Focus your way Create Focus Profiles with the exact apps you want blocked. Start a manual session when you need to lock in, or set a recurring schedule so blocking happens automatically — no willpower required. Real blocking, not suggestions When a session is active, blocked apps are shielded at the system level. There's no sneaking past it. Grace Period Need a moment before a block kicks in? BlockLab gives you a grace period so you can wrap up what you're doing before focus mode takes over. Pay once. Use forever. No subscription. No monthly fee. No paywalled features. Buy BlockLab once and it's yours. BlockLab is for people who want a simple, honest tool — not an app that gamifies your attention or monetizes your habits.

Screenshots

Block in Time4 screens
BlockLab3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Block in Time at none against BlockLab's 1. Block in Time also leads on ratings volume (3 vs 1). BlockLab's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, rating, ads and monetization model 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. BlockLab sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Block in Time asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Block in Time against 5.0 for BlockLab. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Block in Time ships an update every 3 months, BlockLab every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Block in Time versus BlockLab: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBlock in TimeBlockLab
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.616.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAshley BarnardDaniel Catinella

In-app purchases

None

Block in Time

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

BlockLab

One-time1
  • BlockLab Premium$2.99

Questions

Is Block in Time free?
Block in Time is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is BlockLab free?
BlockLab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Block in Time or BlockLab?
Block in Time and BlockLab are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 3 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do Block in Time or BlockLab have ads?
Neither Block in Time nor BlockLab shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Block in Time or BlockLab?
Block in Time ships an update every 3 months, and BlockLab every 2 weeks. Most recently, Block in Time was updated on November 5, 2026 and BlockLab on October 31, 2026.

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