Comparison

Lookinglass vs App Blocker

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

Head to head
About

Lookinglass

Access 30 OpenAI models with transparent pricing and robust privacy controls. Enjoy a pay-as-you-go wallet system, local data encryption, and iCloud sync for seamless cross-device use. Customize AI behavior and export conversations in various formats.

Highlights
  • Access 30 OpenAI models
  • Transparent cost estimates per message
  • Pay-as-you-go wallet system
  • Local data encryption
  • Optional iCloud sync
  • Export conversations (text, markdown, JSON)
  • Customizable AI personality and memory
Features
Read full description

Lookinglass: AI Chat with Complete Transparency & Control Take control of your AI experience with Lookinglass—the only chat app that gives you direct access to over 30 OpenAI models with complete cost transparency and privacy protection. Start free with $1 credit on sign-up—try any model risk-free. Guest mode lets you explore without signing in. No credit card required—all purchases via secure in-app payments. Designed for iPhone and iPad. Why Lookinglass Stands Apart: COMPLETE FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY • See the maximum cost for every message with live token estimates • Pay-as-you-go wallet system—no subscriptions or hidden fees • Flexible top-ups: 9 amounts ($1-$500). Bonus credits: 3% at $100, 5% at $200, 10% at $500 • Export detailed transaction history and track every interaction • Choose between Fast and Reliable (Standard) or Smart Savings (50% savings) billing • Spending alerts: set thresholds to prevent budget surprises • True cost control: Only pay for what you use, when you use it UNMATCHED MODEL ACCESS • Model lineup: Over 30 OpenAI models including cutting-edge gpt-5.5 • Pro models: Access 6 distinct pro level models without an enterprise agreement • Deep Research: variants available for o3 and o4-mini • Web Search: real-time internet access on supported models • Model flexibility: switch mid-conversation with transparent pricing for each • Advanced controls: creativity levels, reasoning depth, response detail, and AI power level TRUE PRIVACY PROTECTION • All conversations stored locally on your device with AES-256 encryption • Military-grade encryption at rest using Apple's CryptoKit framework • We cannot see or access your chat content—ever • Guest mode and Apple Sign-In with complete data isolation • Only metadata and wallet balances stored remotely • GDPR and privacy-compliant with no data collection or tracking SECURE iCLOUD SYNC • Optional iCloud sync keeps your data private and encrypted across devices • All synced data remains in your Apple iCloud account—never shared with third parties • Encryption keys stored securely in iCloud Keychain • Sync includes: conversations, settings, and permanent memory • Works seamlessly across all your iOS devices (iPhone and iPad) SMART ORGANIZATION & CONTROL • Chat threads: organize, archive, rename, pin, and manage multiple conversations • Export conversations to text, markdown, or JSON • Smart Memory: control how much conversation history your AI remembers • AI Personality: customize responses with permanent memory preferences • Voice-to-text for natural conversation flow POWER USER FEATURES • Creativity: from laser-focused precision to creative brainstorming • AI Power: quick summaries or deep analysis • Response Detail: concise answers or detailed explanations • Live streaming responses or complete answers—your choice • Advanced model controls for professional workflows GLOBAL ACCESSIBILITY • 5 languages supported: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, & Italian • Localized interface for seamless international use Perfect For: Research projects, creative writing, email drafting, coding assistance, learning new topics, brainstorming sessions, or intelligent conversation. Lookinglass works immediately—no setup required. Why Choose Lookinglass? Unlike other AI apps that lock you into subscriptions and limited models, Lookinglass gives you direct access to OpenAI's full model lineup with complete transparency about what you're paying for. Access all 6 pro models without enterprise contracts—just pay for what you use. Your conversations stay 100% private on your devices, while optional iCloud sync keeps everything in your personal Apple account. Complete Control: Your AI. Your data. Your privacy. Your budget. Start chatting in seconds. No subscriptions. No surprises. Complete control. EULA: https://lookinglass.ai/eula Privacy: https://lookinglass.ai/privacy

About

App Blocker

Features
Read full description

Less phone. More life. Mute is an app blocker and screen time control that protects time for work, study, meals, rest and sleep. Start a timed break, block distractions or keep only important apps available. Create your own schedules and see usage reports provided by iOS. These tools remain free. MUTE PLUS Answer a short quiz about your habits and daily routine. With an optional subscription, AI proposes a program of breaks, schedules and daily limits. Review the program and activate it with one button. Check in and request adjustments or short support when you want to stop a break. You stay in control, and saved rules keep working after the subscription ends. PRIVACY AND PERMISSIONS Screen Time permission is required for blocking. AI requires internet access and your separate consent. Your answers and information you choose to share are processed through AppHunt and Anthropic. System Screen Time reports and selected-app tokens are not automatically sent to AI. No account or Apple Intelligence is required. SUBSCRIPTIONS Mute Plus is available as an auto-renewing monthly or annual subscription through Apple In-App Purchase. Prices and any eligible trial are shown before purchase. Manage or cancel your subscription in your Apple Account settings. Free blocking does not require a subscription. The new program flow is available in English and Russian. Mute shields supported apps and websites; it does not disable the entire phone. Privacy: https://apphunt.app/mute/privacy Terms: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Lookinglass4 screens
App Blocker4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: App Blocker at none against Lookinglass's 10. App Blocker also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 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. Lookinglass sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. App Blocker asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Lookinglass ships an update every 2 weeks, App Blocker every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Lookinglass versus App Blocker: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLookinglassApp Blocker
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.617.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB22 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperCory HamiltonGlory Mae Dagapioso

In-app purchases

10 purchases

Lookinglass

One-time10
  • $1 Credit Top-Up$1.00
  • $2 Credit Top-Up$2.00
  • $3 Credit Top-Up$3.00
Show 7 more
  • $5 Credit Top-Up$5.00
  • $10 Credit Top-Up$10.00
  • $20 Credit Top-Up$20.00
  • $50 Credit Top-Up$50.00
  • $100 Credit Top-Up$100.00
  • $200 Credit Top-Up$200.00
  • $500 Credit Top-Up$500.00
None

App Blocker

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Lookinglass free?
Lookinglass is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is App Blocker free?
App Blocker is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Lookinglass or App Blocker have ads?
Neither Lookinglass nor App Blocker shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Lookinglass or App Blocker?
Lookinglass ships an update every 2 weeks, and App Blocker every 5 days. Most recently, Lookinglass was updated on October 18, 2026 and App Blocker on October 13, 2026.

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