# ByTime vs ReadLock

The clearest difference is rating: ReadLock at 5.0 against ByTime's 4.5. ByTime's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ReadLock sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. ByTime asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReadLock holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 2 respectively.

ByTime ships an update weekly, ReadLock every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ByTime | ReadLock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bytime-time-hub/id6747457512/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readlock-app-blocker/id6780989764/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 2 |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 10 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Baalavignesh A](https://appshunter.io/developer/1821545148) | [MATTHEW HENRY FOSTER](https://appshunter.io/developer/6780989766) |

## What reviewers say

### ByTime

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bytime-time-hub/id6747457512)

Earn screen time by focusing on tasks. Spend your earned minutes to access blocked apps and websites on your own terms. This app offers a positive reinforcement approach to digital well-being, allowing you to regain control of your device usage.

**Highlights:** Earn screen time through focus sessions, Spend earned time to access blocked apps, Customizable focus sessions, Positive reinforcement for digital well-being, Privacy-focused, uses Apple's Screen Time APIs, Calm and intentional interface design

**In-app purchases:** none


### ReadLock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readlock-app-blocker/id6780989764)

This app requires users to read a page from a selected text before granting access to blocked apps, categories, or websites. It utilizes Apple's Screen Time system to enforce focus and offers a library of public-domain classics for reading material.

**Highlights:** Earn app access through reading, Block apps, categories, and websites, Schedule reading locks, Manual app locking, Built-in reader with public-domain classics, Track local reading progress

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Read Lock Pro Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Read Lock Pro Yearly | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ByTime free?

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

### Is ReadLock free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ByTime or ReadLock?

ReadLock is rated higher. ByTime averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while ReadLock averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do ByTime or ReadLock have ads?

Neither ByTime nor ReadLock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ByTime or ReadLock?

ByTime ships an update weekly, and ReadLock every 5 days. Most recently, ByTime was updated on October 28, 2026 and ReadLock on October 7, 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.*