Comparison

GRDN vs SelfBlock

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

Head to head
About

GRDN

Enhance focus and build positive habits with a productivity app that integrates GTD, Pomodoro, and deep work principles. Block distractions, track your time, and stay accountable with friends.

Highlights
  • GTD task organization
  • Customizable Pomodoro timers
  • App blocking during focus sessions
  • Time tracking and analytics
  • Habit building with gamification
  • Social accountability features
  • Gratitude journaling
Features
Read full description

Real focus needs real blocking. GRDN locks the apps that steal your attention — for a session or all day — and gives the hours back to your projects: focus sessions, tasks, tracked time, and friends who cheer you on. The mindful part is real, too. When you need back into a blocked app, GRDN doesn't fight you: breathe through a short countdown, write one thing you're grateful for, and get ten honest minutes. Then it locks again. — BLOCK THE NOISE — • Real app blocking, not reminders: Instagram, TikTok, X stay locked • Session blocking while you focus, or scheduled all-day blocking • The Gate Pause: need back in? Breathe through a short countdown, write one gratitude, and get 10 honest minutes. Then it re-locks automatically. — DO THE WORK — • Pomodoro focus timer with lock-screen Live Activities — sessions that also hard-block your apps • Tasks and projects: priorities, recurring tasks, today planning, and two-way Google Calendar sync • Time tracking built for independent workers: focus sessions land on projects automatically — tracked, billable, exportable to CSV • Friends see your focus sessions and cheer the streak • Your garden grows as you focus — every session levels it up — WHY ONE APP? — Blockers win you the hour, then abandon it. To-do apps organize the hour, but can't protect it. GRDN is the only app that does both: every blocked distraction becomes an hour you can see — planned, timed, tracked, and witnessed. — FREE TIER — Pomodoro timer, tasks, projects, and basic time tracking. Free forever. No card required. — PREMIUM — Real app blocking, the Gate Pause, scheduled all-day blocking, friends and social, lock-screen Live Activities, Google Calendar sync, extended insights and history. $3.99/month or $34.99/year with a 30-day free trial. Cancel anytime in Settings. Opal charges $99/year for similar Screen Time blocking — GRDN is one-third the price. — FOR PEOPLE WHO'VE TRIED EVERYTHING — If you've installed Forest, Freedom, Opal, Todoist, or Toggl and still can't focus, GRDN is built for you. Structure will take you where willpower can't. Terms of Use: https://www.irons.design/grdn Privacy Policy: https://www.irons.design/grdn

About

SelfBlock

Features
Read full description

Every blocker fails the same way: you turn it off. SelfBlock doesn't let you. When you try to open a blocked app, a friend gets the request — and they decide. No friend available? Ask the anonymous community instead. Someone always answers. ► BUDDY SYSTEM When you try to open a blocked app, your buddy gets a request. They set the time and decide for you. They can respond instantly from a notification or Apple Watch. ► COMMUNITY MODE Don't want to assign a friend? Get anonymous support from the community. A random user reviews your request. Your identity stays hidden. ► 5 BLOCKING MODES – Full Block: Completely prevent app access – Schedule: Auto-block during work, study, or sleep hours – Usage Limit: Set daily time limits per app – Open Limit: Control how many times you open an app – Solo Mode: Manage with your own willpower ► BLOCK ANY APP Block YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X (Twitter), Facebook, Reddit, WhatsApp, Discord and any distracting app or website. ► LIVE FOCUS TRACKING – Daily focus moment counter and day streak – Weekly report with progress summary – Daily check-in to track your mood – Home screen widgets and Live Activity support ► APPLE WATCH Approve or reject requests from your wrist. Track focus stats right from your watch face. ► CUSTOM SHIELD THEMES Personalize your block screen with 6 themes and custom colors. ► STRICT MODE Prevent bypassing blocks with PIN code, wait timer, or time lock. Extra protection options: block app installs, deletions, and in-app purchases. ► PRIVACY FIRST SelfBlock uses Apple's Screen Time API (Family Controls). Your data stays on your device. No tracking, no ads. ► FREE TO START Download free and start using right away. Go Pro for unlimited buddy and community mode, custom themes, weekly reports, strict mode, and more. SelfBlock works as a screen time blocker, app blocker, phone addiction tool, digital detox app, focus timer, social media blocker, dopamine detox aid, website blocker, app lock, and productivity tool. Compatible with Apple Watch and Home Screen widgets. Terms of Use: https://ismailpalalii.github.io/selfblock-site/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://ismailpalalii.github.io/selfblock-site/privacy.html

Screenshots

GRDN4 screens
SelfBlock4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: SelfBlock at monthly against GRDN's every 2 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. GRDN sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and SelfBlock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GRDN ships an update every 2 months, SelfBlock monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
GRDN versus SelfBlock: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGRDNSelfBlock
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationSubscription—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, Apple Watch
Requires iOS18.618.6
Further details — not scored
Size96 MB58 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJeremy Ironsismail Hakki Palali

In-app purchases

2 purchases

GRDN

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Access$3.991 Month
  • Annual Access$34.991 Year
3 purchases

SelfBlock

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Monthly$4.491 Month
  • Pro Yearly3 Days trial$27.491 Year
One-time1
  • Pro Lifetime$82.99

Questions

Is GRDN free?
GRDN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SelfBlock free?
SelfBlock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do GRDN or SelfBlock have ads?
Neither GRDN nor SelfBlock shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GRDN or SelfBlock?
GRDN ships an update every 2 months, and SelfBlock monthly. Most recently, GRDN was updated on October 24, 2026 and SelfBlock on October 25, 2026.

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