# Recode vs FocusLock

Recode and FocusLock are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Both are free to download. Recode sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and FocusLock sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Recode ships an update weekly, FocusLock every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Recode | FocusLock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 10 days |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 3 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Alexander Hartigan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1839013984) | [David Pape](https://appshunter.io/developer/1869894644) |

## 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 |


### FocusLock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focuslock-qr-app-blocker/id6761309835)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Buy me a coffee | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Recode free?

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

### Is FocusLock free?

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

### Do Recode or FocusLock have ads?

Neither Recode nor FocusLock shows ads.

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

Recode ships an update weekly, and FocusLock every 10 days. Most recently, Recode was updated on October 5, 2026 and FocusLock on October 6, 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.*