# Recode vs Vault

The clearest difference is update cadence: Recode at weekly against Vault's every 6 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Recode sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Vault sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Recode ships an update weekly, Vault every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Recode | Vault |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/recode-screen-time-control/id6752352978/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **5** | — |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 3 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Alexander Hartigan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1839013984) | [Yarra Park Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1856165981) |

## What reviewers say

### Recode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/recode-screen-time-control/id6752352978)

This app helps you regain focus by physically preventing access to distracting applications. It requires scanning a QR or barcode to unlock apps, creating friction that discourages reflex checking and promotes productivity.

**Highlights:** Physical app blocking via QR/barcode scan, Accountability through intentional unlocking, Reduces reflex app checking, Promotes focus and productivity, Customizable app blocking schedules

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly | $19.99 | per year |


### Vault

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vault-app-blocker-qr-unlock/id6758652321)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Recode free?

Recode is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Vault free?

Vault is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Recode or Vault have ads?

Neither Recode nor Vault shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Recode or Vault?

Recode ships an update weekly, and Vault every 6 weeks. Most recently, Recode was updated on October 5, 2026 and Vault on October 16, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*