Comparison

MindfulBlock vs Spider Notes

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

Head to head
About

MindfulBlock

This app helps you break free from distracting apps by prompting a brief reflection before opening them. Transform mindless scrolling into a mindful journaling habit and regain control of your screen time.

Highlights
  • Pause before opening distracting apps
  • Jot down quick reflections
  • Unlock short focus windows
  • Breaks habit loops
  • Builds emotional awareness
  • 100% private, no accounts
Features
Read full description

Take back control from endless scrolling. MindfulBlock helps you pause before opening distracting apps by guiding you to jot down a quick reflection. This small habit turns mindless scrolling into mindful journaling. How it works: • Choose the apps that steal your focus • Each time you try to open one, write a 1–2 line note • Unlock a short focus window (1–15 min) before deciding again Why it works: • Breaks the habit loop with a mindful pause • Builds awareness of your emotions and triggers • Turns urges into opportunities for reflection • Flexible: you stay in control, not locked out completely Privacy first: • No accounts, no tracking, 100% private • Your notes stay safely on your device Terms of Use: https://mindfulblock.vercel.app/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://mindfulblock.vercel.app/privacy.html

About

Spider Notes

Features
Read full description

Spider Notes turns your thinking into a spider web. Start with a central idea and watch related thoughts radiate outward on clean radial spokes, with sibling ideas linked by concentric rings of silk. It is a spatial, visual way to take notes, brainstorm, plan, and revise. FEATURES • Strict spider-web canvas with automatic layout • Pan and pinch-to-zoom for webs of any size • Per-branch colour coding • Recall mode for active-recall study • Light and dark appearance • Export any web as an image or PDF • Private by design, with notes stored locally • Native support for iPhone, iPad, and Mac Spider Notes is free. No account, purchase, or subscription is required. Privacy Policy: https://www.lukekevinmclaughlin.com/privacy Support: https://www.lukekevinmclaughlin.com/support SUBSCRIPTION AND TERMS Pro is an auto-renewable subscription. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. The subscription renews automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period; your account is charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage your subscription and turn off auto-renewal in your Apple Account settings after purchase. Any unused portion of a free trial is forfeited when you purchase a subscription. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.lukekevinmclaughlin.com/privacy

Screenshots

MindfulBlock4 screens
Spider Notes4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Spider Notes at none against MindfulBlock's 3. Spider Notes also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. MindfulBlock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Spider Notes asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MindfulBlock ships an update every 3 weeks, Spider Notes every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
MindfulBlock versus Spider Notes: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMindfulBlockSpider Notes
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS26.526.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDaniil ShevliukLuke Mclaughlin

In-app purchases

3 purchases

MindfulBlock

Subscriptions2
  • MindfulBlock Plus (Monthly)$3.991 Month
  • MindfulBlock Plus (Annual)$29.991 Year
One-time1
  • MindfulBlock Plus (Lifetime)$69.99
None

Spider Notes

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MindfulBlock free?
MindfulBlock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Spider Notes free?
Spider Notes is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do MindfulBlock or Spider Notes have ads?
Neither MindfulBlock nor Spider Notes shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MindfulBlock or Spider Notes?
MindfulBlock ships an update every 3 weeks, and Spider Notes every 4 days. Most recently, MindfulBlock was updated on October 24, 2026 and Spider Notes on October 25, 2026.

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