Comparison

Screen Time Limit App Blocker vs BlockMate

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

Head to head
About

Screen Time Limit App Blocker

This app helps you break free from distracting phone habits by making you reflect on your usage. It allows you to set custom time limits for specific apps and situations, providing insights into your patterns to foster lasting change.

Highlights
  • Customizable app time limits
  • Reflection prompts before breaking rules
  • Detailed usage pattern insights
  • Genuine app blocking via Screen Time technology
  • Voice note and text-based reflection options
  • Unlimited rules with premium subscription
Features
Read full description

Finally, an app blocker that actually helps you change! Tired of mindlessly scrolling? Frustrated with apps that don't really block anything? AppBlocker is different – it helps you build awareness while giving you real control. WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT It makes you think before you act. When you're about to break a rule, AppBlocker asks "why?" Record a quick voice note or type your reason. This tiny pause creates massive awareness about your habits. You stay in control Create separate rules for different situations: "Social Media" - 30 minutes during work hours "Gaming" - 1 hour after dinner "News" - 15 minutes in the morning Each rule works independently, so you're not locked out of everything. You see your patterns clearly The insights tab shows exactly when and why you struggle. Maybe you always cave at 3pm, or Mondays are your weak days. Once you see the pattern, you can plan around it. It actually blocks things Built with Apple's Screen Time technology – the same system parents use. When time's up, apps are genuinely blocked until tomorrow. HOW IT WORKS Set your rules – Pick apps, set time limits, name your rule Live your day – Get gentle warnings as you approach limits Pause when tempted – Quick voice note or text when you want to disable Learn from patterns – See your data, understand your triggers Build better habits – Small changes lead to big transformations FREE VERSION INCLUDES: 3 custom blocking rules Basic insights and calendar view Text-based reflection notes Full blocking functionality PREMIUM UNLOCKS: Unlimited rules for complex schedules 30-day advanced analytics with problem time identification Voice note reflections for deeper awareness Detailed usage pattern analysis Ready to understand your phone habits and actually change them? Download AppBlocker and start building the relationship with technology you actually want. EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

BlockMate

Features
Read full description

Stop doomscrolling. Without willpower. BlockMate is your AI mate for intentional screen time on iPhone. Instead of hard-blocking apps, it asks one honest question when you reach for Instagram, TikTok, or any app you'd rather not be on. Most of the time, you put the phone down on your own. The friendly way to reduce screen time, without locking yourself out of your own phone. THE PROBLEM You unlock your phone 80+ times a day. Most of those weren't your idea. Hard blockers fail because you override them. Willpower runs out by 2 PM. The lever that actually works is intention — and you only need one second of it, the moment your thumb is moving. Whether you call it doomscrolling, phone addiction, or just a habit you'd like to break, the same one-second lever applies. HOW IT WORKS 1. Pick the apps that pull you in. Instagram, TikTok, X, Reddit, YouTube Shorts — gate any apps, categories, or websites in Safari. BlockMate uses Apple's FamilyControls API, so the gating is real. 2. When you reach for one, BlockMate asks why. A short, honest exchange. No password, no countdown — a 30-second conversation. The AI mate reflects what you said before it asks anything. 3. Walk away, or get exactly the time you asked for. Real reason? You get the minutes you named. Just bargaining? You'll catch yourself, and the app stays closed. Auto-locks when time's up. WHY IT WORKS - Reflects, then asks. A bare question is interrogation. BlockMate restates what you said before asking anything. - Self-compassion, not shame. Honest impulses get honored. Guilt cycles drive more scrolling, not less. - Your past self knew. You set this up in a clear moment, for a foggy one. - Adapts as you grow. The more intentional you become, the quieter BlockMate gets. VS HARD BLOCKERS Opal, One Sec, Jomo, ScreenZen, Refocus — every one promises to reduce screen time. Every one relies on willpower. BlockMate uses a different lever: a 30-second conversation in the moment your thumb is moving. A mate, not a warden. PRIVACY - Apple FamilyControls — your blocklist stays on your device. - Conversations are short, anonymized, and never sold. - No ad networks. No third-party trackers. The product is the business. PRICING Free to start. Upgrade to unlock unlimited negotiations, multi-app gating, and adaptive coaching that learns your patterns. Yearly plan starts with a 7-day free trial. The friendly way to reduce screen time. Helping people live a little more, scroll a little less. Terms of Service: https://cloudy-bite-d28.notion.site/Terms-of-Service-354cc3aac91081908268cf66507229ec Privacy Policy: https://cloudy-bite-d28.notion.site/Privacy-Policy-2f1cc3aac9108061b102e03cf5eb3ce8

Screenshots

Screen Time Limit App Blocker4 screens
BlockMate4 screens

Verdict

The call

Screen Time Limit App Blocker and BlockMate are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Screen Time Limit App Blocker sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and BlockMate sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Screen Time Limit App Blocker versus BlockMate: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterScreen Time Limit App BlockerBlockMate
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (7 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings7 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB30 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperJovan MilenkovicOleh Hykavyy

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Screen Time Limit App Blocker

Subscriptions2
  • Weekly Subscription3 Days trial$3.997 Days
  • Yearly Subscription$24.991 Year
2 purchases

BlockMate

Subscriptions2
  • BlockMate Pro (Monthly)$6.991 Month
  • BlockMate Pro (Annual)7 Days trial$59.991 Year

Questions

Is Screen Time Limit App Blocker free?
Screen Time Limit App Blocker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is BlockMate free?
BlockMate is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Screen Time Limit App Blocker or BlockMate have ads?
Neither Screen Time Limit App Blocker nor BlockMate shows ads.

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