ZenLock vs Lerf
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ZenLock
Read full descriptionHide full description
ZenLock is an App Blocking App that *forcefully* stops the apps you overuse. ◆ Simple Flow ・Select addictive apps like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, X, or games to block ・When you really need them, choose a temporary unlock time (15/30/60 minutes) → Unlocking requires passing a randomly generated 10-character challenge →→ This extra step makes you ask: “Do I really want this app badly enough to type it out?” ・Even while using the app, once the chosen time is up, it will be blocked again automatically → No more “I only meant 15 minutes on YouTube, but suddenly it’s been an hour…” ◆ Perfect for people who: ・Spend too much time on social media or video apps ・Struggle to stay focused on study or work because of their phone ・Lose sleep from late-night endless scrolling and regret it the next day ZenLock helps you change habits without relying on willpower. It’s ideal for anyone who feels guilty about wasted time, wants to secure focus for study, work, or side projects, or simply start a digital detox. ◆ Safe & Private ZenLock runs entirely on-device using iOS system features. No personal data is sent outside.
Lerf
This app helps you regain control of your screen time by blocking distracting applications during specific periods. It offers flexible blocking modes and ambient sounds to support relaxation, study, or sleep. The focus is on protecting your time and peace without intrusive tracking.
- Block distracting apps
- Set custom session timers
- Easy and Strict blocking modes
- Ambient soundscapes
- Designed for minimal interaction
- Protect personal time
Read full descriptionHide full description
Lerf protects your time from the apps designed to take it. 10 minutes on your phone turned into 2 hours. Again. Do Not Disturb stops notifications. Lerf is an off-switch for the apps you keep opening on autopilot. Start a session, choose the apps to block, and step away from distractions. No dashboards. No streaks. No account. Nothing to check. For focusing: work or study without negotiating with your phone. For relaxing: block distracting apps at night. They unlock when your session ends. For being present: dinners, workouts, and time with the people you care about. Easy Mode lets you end a session early with a press and hold. Strict Mode keeps your apps blocked until the timer ends. Lerf Tags give your phone a physical off-switch. Tap your iPhone to a Lerf Tag to block or unblock apps. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://lerfapp.com/privacy
Screenshots
Verdict
ZenLock and Lerf are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 7, 2026.
| Parameter | ZenLock | Lerf |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (14 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 14 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days | Every 5 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 3 MB | 20 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | kohei kishimoto | Grant Hergenroeder |
In-app purchases
ZenLock
No in-app purchases
Lerf
No in-app purchases
