Comparison

Pawse vs ReadLock

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

Head to head
About

Pawse

Features
Read full description

Pause is designed to help you regain control over your screen time. With intelligent app locks and flexible schedules, you can limit distractions during specific hours and build healthier digital habits. A unique feature of Pause is its integration with physical devices, which add an extra layer of conscious decision-making. Before unlocking blocked apps, you need to tap it against a dedicated tag. This physical confirmation makes phone use more intentional and less impulsive. Pause not only blocks apps but also encourages mindfulness and helps you create a better balance between technology and everyday life.

About

ReadLock

This app requires users to read a page from a selected text before granting access to blocked apps, categories, or websites. It utilizes Apple's Screen Time system to enforce focus and offers a library of public-domain classics for reading material.

Highlights
  • Earn app access through reading
  • Block apps, categories, and websites
  • Schedule reading locks
  • Manual app locking
  • Built-in reader with public-domain classics
  • Track local reading progress
Features
Read full description

ReadLock makes you read before you scroll. If app blockers are too easy to ignore, ReadLock gives your phone a real forcing function: your selected apps, categories, and websites stay blocked until you read one page. Choose what you want to block, set your reading times, then let ReadLock hold the line. When it is time to read, ReadLock uses Apple's Screen Time and Family Controls system to shield your selected distractions. Finish one page in the built-in reader, and your apps unlock. Why people use ReadLock: - Earn access instead of relying on willpower - Block chosen apps, app categories, and websites - Schedule reading locks for morning, midday, or evening - Lock apps manually when you need a reset - Read bundled public-domain classics like Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein, Crime and Punishment, and Sherlock Holmes - Track local reading progress in a simple library - Get optional reading reminders and unlock notifications ReadLock is for the moment when you catch yourself opening the same app again and again, even though you meant to do literally anything else. Instead of another dismissible reminder, it turns one page of reading into the key that gets you back in. Read first. Scroll later. Notes: - App blocking requires Screen Time permission and a selected app, category, or website. - Blocking behavior can vary based on iOS, device settings, and the selections you choose. - Full access requires an auto-renewing subscription. Trial, price, and renewal details are shown before purchase. - Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Pawse4 screens
ReadLock3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Pawse at none against ReadLock's 2. ReadLock's advantage is 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. ReadLock sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Pawse asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Pawse ships an update every 2 weeks, ReadLock every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Pawse versus ReadLock: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPawseReadLock
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS16.2 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB27 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperSzymon ProtyskiMATTHEW HENRY FOSTER

In-app purchases

None

Pawse

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

ReadLock

Subscriptions2
  • Read Lock Pro Monthly7 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Read Lock Pro Yearly7 Days trial$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Pawse free?
Pawse is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ReadLock free?
ReadLock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Pawse or ReadLock have ads?
Neither Pawse nor ReadLock shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Pawse or ReadLock?
Pawse ships an update every 2 weeks, and ReadLock every 5 days. Most recently, Pawse was updated on October 30, 2026 and ReadLock on October 31, 2026.

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