# Breaktime vs Monk

The clearest difference is monetization model: Breaktime at freemium against Monk's subscription. Breaktime also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 weeks). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Breaktime sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Monk sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Breaktime against 4.6 for Monk. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 67 and 135 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 81% of Breaktime's written reviews are positive against 75% of Monk's.

Breaktime ships an update every 4 days, Monk every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and July 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Breaktime | Monk |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (67 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/breaktime-focus-app-blocker/id6746742596/reviews)** | [4.6 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monk-screen-time-control/id6747911820/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 67 | **135** |
| Positive reviews | **81.3% of reviews** | 75.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | **Freemium** | Subscription |
| Size | 22 MB | 131 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nathan Chan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1818276980) | [Polymath Labs Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1823371110) |

## What reviewers say

### Breaktime

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/breaktime-focus-app-blocker/id6746742596)

This app helps you regain control over your screen time by blocking distracting applications. It requires you to set a duration for app usage and start a timed break before accessing blocked apps, ensuring accountability and promoting digital wellbeing.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps 24/7, Timed breaks for app access, Customizable delay for reconsideration, Strict Mode with no bypasses, Travel Mode for automatic unblocking, Scheduled recurring blocking, Daily limit goals and streaks

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Breaktime Premium | $2.99 | per month |
| Breaktime Premium | $3.99 | per month |
| Breaktime Premium - Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Breaktime Premium | $24.99 | per year |
| Breaktime Premium | $34.99 | per year |
| Breaktime Premium - Annually | $49.99 | per year |
| Premium Promo | $24.99 | one-time |


### Monk

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monk-screen-time-control/id6747911820)

This app helps users regain focus by blocking distracting applications until a chosen meaningful activity is completed and verified. It encourages daily rituals and discipline to combat digital distractions and improve productivity.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps, AI-verified activity completion, Daily focus rituals, Dopamine detox, Focus schedules, Win history and streaks

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monk Pro (Monthly) | $19.99 | per month |
| Monk Pro (Annual) | $48.00 | per year |
| Monk Pro (Annual) | $59.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great app for focus
- 🚀 Boosts productivity
- 💡 Unique and intuitive design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent app blocking functionality

**Reported bugs**

- Apps not being blocked as scheduled
- Glitches in scheduling functionality

**Requested features**

- Improved app blocking reliability
- Customizable scheduling options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Breaktime free?

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

### Is Monk free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Breaktime or Monk?

Breaktime is rated higher. Breaktime averages 4.7 out of 5 from 67 ratings, while Monk averages 4.6 from 135 ratings.

### Do Breaktime or Monk have ads?

Neither Breaktime nor Monk shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Breaktime or Monk?

Breaktime ships an update every 4 days, and Monk every 2 weeks. Most recently, Breaktime was updated on September 22, 2026 and Monk on July 4, 2026.

---

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