# Monk vs SIDEUP

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SIDEUP at none against Monk's 3. SIDEUP also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Monk sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per month. SIDEUP asks for nothing beyond the download.

Monk ships an update every 2 weeks, SIDEUP monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Monk | SIDEUP |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monk-screen-time-control/id6747911820/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **135** | — |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Subscription | — |
| Size | 131 MB | 41 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Polymath Labs Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1823371110) | [Mohammed Dabi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1770524330) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### SIDEUP

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sideup-ship-smarter/id6797496030)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Monk free?

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

### Is SIDEUP free?

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

### Do Monk or SIDEUP have ads?

Neither Monk nor SIDEUP shows ads.

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

Monk ships an update every 2 weeks, and SIDEUP monthly. Most recently, Monk was updated on October 6, 2026 and SIDEUP on October 9, 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.*