ReadLock vs ReadBlock
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ReadLock
This app helps you reclaim your reading time by blocking distracting apps and websites during dedicated reading sessions. It uses AI to score your comprehension based on your notes, ensuring genuine engagement with your reading material. Track progress, manage your book library, and build a consistent reading habit.
- Distraction locking via Screen Time
- AI comprehension scoring
- AI summary suggestions
- Book scanning and search
- Works with any book format
- Progress tracking
- Habit building tools
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The most successful people in the world read more than everyone else. Yet most of us can't finish a single book, not because we lack time, but because social media, doom-scrolling, and endless notifications keep pulling us away. ReadLock helps you take back your attention. Set a reading session, choose the apps and website categories that distract you most, and ReadLock locks them using Screen Time so your phone stops competing with your book. When your session ends, update your reading progress or notes, and ReadLock's AI scores your comprehension before your apps unlock. No skimming. No faking it. Just real reading. "Just one more scroll" becomes "just one more page." It works with any book format: paperback, hardcover, e-book, or PDF. No special reader required. Key Features * Distraction Locking (Screen Time): Lock selected apps and distracting website categories during your reading sessions. When a locked app is opened, the ReadLock shield screen appears. * AI Comprehension Scoring: After each session, write a short note on what you read. ReadLock's AI compares your notes against your pages and scores your focus and understanding before your apps unlock. You can't fake your way through. * AI Summary Suggestions: Not sure how to capture what you read? ReadLock's AI rewrites your notes into a cleaner, sharper summary — turning scattered thoughts into real understanding. * Book Scanning & Search: Add any book instantly by scanning the cover or searching the title. Your reading journey starts in seconds. * Works with Any Book Format: Track progress and take chapter notes for both physical and digital books. No special reader required. * Flexible Reading Sessions: Set reading windows for morning, afternoon, or evening and build a consistent daily routine. * Progress Tracking: Update pages read, mark chapters as completed, and watch your reading habit grow day by day. * Notes & Key Takeaways: Capture chapter notes and important lessons as you read. AI sharpens them after every session. * Book Library: Add books by scan or search, organize by category, and pick up right where you left off. * Habit Building: Streaks, session history, and gentle reminders to make reading stick as a long-term habit. How to Use ReadLock 1. Sign in with Google or Apple, or continue as a guest—your choice. 2. Add your current book by scanning the cover or searching the title. 3. Tap Locked Apps → Add, grant Screen Time permission, and select the apps, categories, or websites you want to block. 4. Tap Set Daily Reading Target and pick your reading window. 5. When your session is active, opening a locked app shows the ReadLock shield screen. 6. When the session ends, open ReadLock → open your book → add your notes → let AI score your comprehension → tap Save to confirm your reading and unlock your apps. Permissions Screen Time permission is required to enable app and website blocking. Without it, ReadLock will still run but cannot shield distractions. ReadLock uses analytics to improve app performance and user experience. Sign-In Options Google Sign-In, Sign in with Apple, and Guest mode. Ads & Subscriptions Free users may see interstitial ads at certain points. Premium subscribers enjoy an ad-free, fully unlocked experience via in-app subscription. Terms of Use (EULA) https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ https://readlock.us/agreements/terms/
ReadBlock
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Addictive apps keeping you from growing? ReadBlock helps you build a reading habit by blocking distracting apps until you reach your daily reading goal. HOW IT WORKS 1. Choose which apps to block (Short Videos, Social media, Games, etc.) 2. Set your daily reading goal (5, 10, 15, or 20 pages) 3. Upload your own books (EPUB) 4. Read to unlock — apps stay blocked until you finish WHY READBLOCK - Simple mechanism: read pages, unlock apps - No willpower needed — the block does the work - Works with any book you want to read in EPUB - Uses Screen Time API for reliable blocking PERFECT FOR - Breaking the doomscrolling habit - Finally finishing books on your reading list - Building a consistent daily reading routine - Replacing screen time with meaningful growth Start with just 10 pages a day — that's only 15 minutes. Your future self will thank you. ReadBlock requires a subscription to access all features. A free trial is available for new users. Legal links: - Privacy Policy: https://readblock.app/privacy - Terms Of Service: https://readblock.app/terms
Screenshots
Verdict
ReadLock and ReadBlock 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.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. ReadLock sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days and ReadBlock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
ReadLock ships an update every 10 days, ReadBlock every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | ReadLock | ReadBlock |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.0 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days — better | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 17 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 68 MB | 42 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Acha Igwe | Mikalai Ptashyts |
In-app purchases
ReadLock
- ReadLock Premium (weekly)3 Days trial$5.997 Days
- ReadLock Premium (Monthly)1 Month trial$5.991 Month
- ReadLock Premium (Monthly)2 Months trial$9.991 Month
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- ReadLock Premium (Yearly v2)$29.991 Year
- ReadLock Premium (Yearly)$49.991 Year
- ReadLock Premium (Yearly)3 Days trial$49.991 Year
- ReadLock Premium (Yearly)3 Days trial$69.991 Year
ReadBlock
- ReadBlock Pro Monthly$5.491 Month
- ReadBlock Pro Annual3 Days trial$22.991 Year
- Pro Lifetime$34.99







