Comparison

ZenLock vs Write to Unlock

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

Head to head
About

ZenLock

Features
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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.

About

Write to Unlock

Features
Read full description

"I just lost 30 minutes scrolling." The problem isn't willpower — it's opening apps without thinking. Write to Unlock makes you copy out a short line, word for word, before a locked app will open. Only then does it unlock, once — and it locks itself again when you're done. Every time, you choose on purpose. ■ Copy out the line first When you try to open a locked app like Instagram or YouTube, the app steps in: copy the sentence exactly, by hand, on a keyboard with no autocorrect and no predictions. Paste doesn't work. Mindless taps become one deliberate act of writing. ■ No easy way out This isn't a "wait 8 seconds and it opens" timer. There's no waiting your way through. Every time, you write it out. You get one open, then it closes again — after 10 minutes on Free, or after a time you set with Full Lock. ■ Quiet, grown-up design No cartoons, no lectures. A calm woodblock-print interface, and a boat that crosses the lake each time you turn back. ■ Made for people who want to • Focus on study or deep work • Spend less time on social media and games • Actually stick to a screen-time limit • Keep a digital detox going ■ Full Lock (monthly / yearly) • Lock every app you choose, not just three • Set your own re-lock time, down to 1 minute • Lock by day and hour — weekdays only, for example • A different sentence every time, so it never goes on autopilot • A sky that follows morning, noon and night in real time • Five Home Screen widgets • No ads Don't just block your phone — stop for a moment every time you open it. That's Write to Unlock. Terms of Use (Apple standard EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

ZenLock4 screens
Write to Unlock4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ZenLock at none against Write to Unlock's 2. ZenLock also leads on ads (none vs shown). On price, 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. Write to Unlock sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. ZenLock asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 4 level
ZenLock versus Write to Unlock: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterZenLockWrite to Unlock
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 5 days—
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB51 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerkohei kishimotoHIROTO TSUTSUSHIMA

In-app purchases

None

ZenLock

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Write to Unlock

Subscriptions2
  • Full Lock (Monthly)7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Full Lock (Yearly)7 Days trial$24.991 Year

Questions

Is ZenLock free?
ZenLock is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Write to Unlock free?
Write to Unlock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do ZenLock or Write to Unlock have ads?
Write to Unlock shows ads; ZenLock does not.

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