# The Lock In vs Sharper

The clearest difference is ads: The Lock In at none against Sharper's shown. The Lock In also leads on ratings volume (37 vs 10). Sharper's advantage is monetization model (free vs freemium). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Lock In sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and Sharper sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Sharper holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 37 and 10 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Lock In | Sharper |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (37 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-lock-in/id6748673988/reviews) | **[4.9 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sharper-screen-time-control/id6753228489/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **37** | 10 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 71 MB | 133 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.4 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [GOKHAN GOKCAY](https://appshunter.io/developer/1826961518) | [Sharper Studios S.R.L.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1785362589) |

## What reviewers say

### The Lock In

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-lock-in/id6748673988)

Enhance deep focus, build lasting habits, and gain insights into your time management. This app combines distraction-free timers, streak tracking, AI coaching, and social accountability features to help you achieve your goals.

**Highlights:** Distraction-free focus timers, Habit streak tracking, AI-driven productivity coaching, Social focus sessions with friends, Habit history and success rate analysis, User profiles and home base dashboard

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lock In Pro Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| Lock In Pro – 6 Months | $19.99 | per 6 months |
| Lock In Pro Yearly | $44.99 | per year |


### Sharper

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sharper-screen-time-control/id6753228489)

This app helps you overcome procrastination and distractions with a motivating focus timer. It gamifies productivity with a progression system and detailed stats, encouraging deep work for studying or professional tasks.

**Highlights:** Pomodoro Focus Timer, Ranked Progression System, Distracting App Blocker, Daily, Weekly, Monthly Stats, Stopwatch Mode, Anime-inspired design

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sharper Pro | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Sharper Pro | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Lock In free?

The Lock In is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Sharper free?

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

### Which has better reviews, The Lock In or Sharper?

Sharper is rated higher. The Lock In averages 4.7 out of 5 from 37 ratings, while Sharper averages 4.9 from 10 ratings.

### Do The Lock In or Sharper have ads?

Sharper shows ads; The Lock In does not.

### Which is updated more often, The Lock In or Sharper?

The Lock In ships an update every 2 weeks, and Sharper every 2 weeks. Most recently, The Lock In was updated on October 24, 2026 and Sharper on October 15, 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.*