Comparison

PeerPause vs SelfBlock

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

Head to head
About

PeerPause

This app helps you stick to your screen time limits by involving a trusted friend. When your time is up, it blocks apps, and you must ask your 'Time Buddy' for more time, adding social accountability to break scrolling habits.

Highlights
  • App blocking that enforces limits
  • Real-time accountability with a Time Buddy
  • Request additional screen time
  • Approval required for limit changes
  • No easy self-override options
  • Private by design for user data
Features
Read full description

PeerPause is a screen time app that helps you follow through on the limits you choose. Set daily limits for distracting apps. When time runs out, PeerPause blocks access. If you genuinely need more time, send a request to one trusted person: your Time Buddy. They can approve extra time or help you stay paused. HOW IT WORKS 1. Choose an app to limit. 2. Set its daily screen time limit. 3. Add a trusted Time Buddy. 4. When the limit is reached, PeerPause blocks the app. 5. Request more time and add an optional note. 6. Your Time Buddy accepts or denies the request. FEATURES • App blocking for distracting social, video, game, dating, and shopping apps • Daily app limits powered by Apple’s Screen Time APIs • Requests for additional time • Time Buddy confirmation before changing or removing a limit • Progress and Screen Time insights • No quick self-override when a limit is reached SUPPORT FROM SOMEONE YOU TRUST A Time Buddy is a friend, partner, sibling, or other trusted person who helps you stick to a limit you set for yourself. The relationship is supportive and adult-to-adult. Your Time Buddy responds to requests; they do not monitor your phone. PRIVATE BY DESIGN Your Time Buddy can see the app or limit name, requested time, and any note you choose to send with a request. They cannot see your private messages inside apps, browsing, photos, or private activity. Screen Time usage data stays on your device. SUBSCRIPTION Helping someone as their Time Buddy is always free. A PeerPause Pro subscription is required to create and manage your own app limits. Pause first. Scroll less. Take back your time. TERMS OF USE https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

SelfBlock

Features
Read full description

Every blocker fails the same way: you turn it off. SelfBlock doesn't let you. When you try to open a blocked app, a friend gets the request — and they decide. No friend available? Ask the anonymous community instead. Someone always answers. ► BUDDY SYSTEM When you try to open a blocked app, your buddy gets a request. They set the time and decide for you. They can respond instantly from a notification or Apple Watch. ► COMMUNITY MODE Don't want to assign a friend? Get anonymous support from the community. A random user reviews your request. Your identity stays hidden. ► 5 BLOCKING MODES – Full Block: Completely prevent app access – Schedule: Auto-block during work, study, or sleep hours – Usage Limit: Set daily time limits per app – Open Limit: Control how many times you open an app – Solo Mode: Manage with your own willpower ► BLOCK ANY APP Block YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X (Twitter), Facebook, Reddit, WhatsApp, Discord and any distracting app or website. ► LIVE FOCUS TRACKING – Daily focus moment counter and day streak – Weekly report with progress summary – Daily check-in to track your mood – Home screen widgets and Live Activity support ► APPLE WATCH Approve or reject requests from your wrist. Track focus stats right from your watch face. ► CUSTOM SHIELD THEMES Personalize your block screen with 6 themes and custom colors. ► STRICT MODE Prevent bypassing blocks with PIN code, wait timer, or time lock. Extra protection options: block app installs, deletions, and in-app purchases. ► PRIVACY FIRST SelfBlock uses Apple's Screen Time API (Family Controls). Your data stays on your device. No tracking, no ads. ► FREE TO START Download free and start using right away. Go Pro for unlimited buddy and community mode, custom themes, weekly reports, strict mode, and more. SelfBlock works as a screen time blocker, app blocker, phone addiction tool, digital detox app, focus timer, social media blocker, dopamine detox aid, website blocker, app lock, and productivity tool. Compatible with Apple Watch and Home Screen widgets. Terms of Use: https://ismailpalalii.github.io/selfblock-site/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://ismailpalalii.github.io/selfblock-site/privacy.html

Screenshots

PeerPause4 screens
SelfBlock4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: PeerPause at every 4 days against SelfBlock's monthly. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. PeerPause sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and SelfBlock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PeerPause ships an update every 4 days, SelfBlock monthly. The most recent releases landed on August 30, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
PeerPause versus SelfBlock: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPeerPauseSelfBlock
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 days — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS18.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size90 MB58 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperAndrei Tarceismail Hakki Palali

In-app purchases

3 purchases

PeerPause

Subscriptions3
  • PeerPause Weekly$3.997 Days
  • PeerPause3 Days trial$5.991 Month
  • PeerPause3 Days trial$24.991 Year
3 purchases

SelfBlock

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Monthly$4.491 Month
  • Pro Yearly3 Days trial$27.491 Year
One-time1
  • Pro Lifetime$82.99

Questions

Is PeerPause free?
PeerPause is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SelfBlock free?
SelfBlock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do PeerPause or SelfBlock have ads?
Neither PeerPause nor SelfBlock shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PeerPause or SelfBlock?
PeerPause ships an update every 4 days, and SelfBlock monthly. Most recently, PeerPause was updated on August 30, 2026 and SelfBlock on September 17, 2026.

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