# ScreenBuddy vs OpenAppLock

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: OpenAppLock at none against ScreenBuddy's 3. OpenAppLock also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). ScreenBuddy's advantage is iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.0). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ScreenBuddy sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. OpenAppLock asks for nothing beyond the download.

OpenAppLock holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 6 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

ScreenBuddy ships an update every 3 weeks, OpenAppLock weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenBuddy | OpenAppLock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenbuddy-app-blocker/id6748612438/reviews) | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openapplock/id6780259647/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **9** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free** |
| Size | 37 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.6** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [John Gaffney](https://appshunter.io/developer/1826566834) | [Brendan Chen](https://appshunter.io/developer/1610821430) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenBuddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenbuddy-app-blocker/id6748612438)

This app helps reduce screen time by introducing friction before accessing selected apps. It offers personalized daily limits and a pause before unlocking to break unconscious phone usage habits and combat digital addiction.

**Highlights:** Block selected apps 24/7, Pause before unlocking apps, Personalized daily screen time limits, Breaks unconscious phone use habits, Reduces digital addiction, Focus enhancement for work and study

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ScreenBuddy Pro Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| ScreenBuddy Pro Annual | $39.99 | per year |
| ScreenBuddy Pro Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |


### OpenAppLock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openapplock/id6780259647)

This app helps you regain control of your screen time by blocking specific applications. You can set schedules, time limits, or open limits for apps, and even create custom rules to prevent unwanted usage.

**Highlights:** Block apps on a schedule, Set time or open limits, Preset and custom rules, Lock rule edits

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenBuddy free?

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

### Is OpenAppLock free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ScreenBuddy or OpenAppLock?

OpenAppLock is rated higher. ScreenBuddy averages 4.6 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while OpenAppLock averages 5.0 from 6 ratings.

### Do ScreenBuddy or OpenAppLock have ads?

Neither ScreenBuddy nor OpenAppLock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ScreenBuddy or OpenAppLock?

ScreenBuddy ships an update every 3 weeks, and OpenAppLock weekly. Most recently, ScreenBuddy was updated on October 18, 2026 and OpenAppLock 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.*