Comparison

Gradually 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

Gradually

Features
Read full description

Gradually has a unique tracking mechanic that helps users overcome day-to-day challenges without losing track of what's really important in their lives. It also allows anyone to make challenges with their friend and hold mutual accountability on each other. Finally, it also has tailored tips based on your profile and behaviour to learn what makes you tick in order to improve your changes of actually sticking with your set goals. Terms of Use: https://gogradually.web.app/terms-of-use/ EULA:https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://gogradually.web.app/privacy-policy/

About

App Blocker

This app helps you focus by blocking distracting applications and websites with a single tap. Set a timer, and access returns automatically when it's up. An optional tap challenge adds friction for early unlocks.

Highlights
  • One-tap blocking for distracting apps
  • Custom focus durations
  • Automatic unblock when time is up
  • Tap challenge for early unlocks
  • Private by design
  • Built with Apple’s Screen Time controls
Read full description

Bricked is a one-tap app blocker and focus timer for moments when your phone needs to get out of the way. Pick a duration, tap once, and Bricked shields distracting apps and sites on this device using Apple’s Screen Time controls. When the timer ends, access returns automatically. Need to unlock early? Make it intentional. Bricked turns early unlocks into a tap challenge: one tap for every second remaining. If there are 10 minutes left, that means 600 taps. You can stop the challenge any time and keep your apps blocked. No app lists to build. No schedules to maintain. No accounts, analytics, or tracking. Just a clean timer, a clear block, and a little friction when you are tempted to bail early. Use Bricked for deep work, studying, reading, bedtime, workouts, meals, meetings, or any break where you want your phone quiet. Features: - One-tap blocking for distracting apps - Custom focus durations - Automatic unblock when time is up - Tap challenge for early unlocks - Simple progress ring and countdown - Private by design: no accounts, no tracking - Built with Apple’s Screen Time controls Bricked is designed for personal focus and self-control. It is not a parental monitoring app and does not track what you do.

Screenshots

Gradually4 screens
App Blocker3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: App Blocker at none against Gradually's 2. Gradually's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). On price, update cadence, ads and device support 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. Gradually sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. App Blocker asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Gradually ships an update weekly, App Blocker every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Gradually versus App Blocker: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGraduallyApp Blocker
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 10 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB3 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperVitor AndradeYUNFEI XU

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Gradually

Subscriptions1
  • Monthly$4.991 Month
One-time1
  • Lifetime Pro$49.99
None

App Blocker

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Gradually free?
Gradually 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 Gradually or App Blocker have ads?
Neither Gradually nor App Blocker shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Gradually or App Blocker?
Gradually ships an update weekly, and App Blocker every 10 days. Most recently, Gradually was updated on October 4, 2026 and App Blocker on October 7, 2026.

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